Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:25-27)

Have you wondered how husbands are supposed to live out God’s command to sacrifice themselves for their wives? It’s a tall order, for sure. We understand more of the obligation from its goal.

The apostle Paul says, “Christ’s sacrifice was to “sanctify” his bride [the church] so that she would have “splendor” to him.

Giving oneself for the good and glory of another seemed far from the pattern of a friend whose idea of biblical headship meant his wife had to get his approval for everything she wore, to whom she spoke, and whenever she left the house.

So much did he use his authority to control and dominate his spouse that she was constantly fearful and depressed – and, consequently, less pleasing to him. His selfishness (driven by his own insecurities) deprived him of the splendor he wanted in her.

As Christ’s glory was enhanced by the splendor of his bride, so also is the blessing of spouses whose goal is to give themselves for the splendor of another.

Prayer:
Lord, help me draw understanding from how your grace builds up and beautifies my heart to understand how I can love my spouse as Christ loves.