Untitled Sermon (3)

Introduction:Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to speak directly to the men among us, though the principles we discuss will be edifying for everyone. We live in a world that often distorts the meaning of love and commitment. As Christian men, husbands, and future husbands, we are called to a higher standard of love—one that mirrors the love of Christ for His church.

1. The Command to Love (Ephesians 5:25-28):Let us begin with Ephesians 5:25-28: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."

In these verses, Paul gives us a clear and powerful command. Husbands are to love their wives with the same self-sacrificial love that Christ has for the church. This is not a superficial or conditional love, but a profound, enduring, and self-giving love.

2. The Nature of Christ's Love:Let's reflect on the nature of Christ's love:

Self-Sacrificial: Jesus gave Himself up for the church. True love often requires sacrifice. It means putting your wife's needs above your own and being willing to make sacrifices for her well-being.Sanctifying: Christ's love makes the church holy. A husband's love should contribute to his wife's spiritual growth and well-being. Encourage her, pray for her, and support her in her walk with God.Nurturing: Just as we care for our own bodies, we should care for our wives. This involves being attentive, caring, and protective.

3. Love is Patient and Kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-7):We cannot overlook 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, often referred to as the "Love Chapter": "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Applying these characteristics to our role as husbands:

Patience and Kindness: Be patient with your wife, even in times of disagreement or difficulty. Show kindness in your words and actions.Humility: Avoid pride and boasting. Be humble and consider your wife's perspectives and feelings.Forgiveness: Do not hold grudges or keep a record of wrongs. Forgiveness is crucial in maintaining a healthy and loving relationship.Protection and Perseverance: Always protect your wife, trust in her, and maintain hope. Persevere through challenges together.

4. Practical Application:How do we put this into practice?

Communicate Openly: Make time for honest and open communication. Listen to your wife and share your heart with her.Serve Selflessly: Look for ways to serve your wife daily. Small acts of kindness and service can strengthen your bond.Pray Together: Make prayer a regular part of your marriage. Pray for each other and with each other.Encourage and Support: Be your wife's biggest supporter. Encourage her dreams, support her endeavors, and stand by her side.

Conclusion:In conclusion, the love that God calls husbands to have for their wives is a high calling, one that reflects the love of Christ for His church. It is a love marked by sacrifice, sanctity, and nurturing care. As we strive to love our wives in this way, we honor God and build marriages that reflect His glory to the world.

Let us commit ourselves today to love our wives with the same depth and devotion that Christ has for us. May God grant us the strength and grace to fulfill this noble calling.

Amen.