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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 286

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her."

Text: Ephesians 5:25

CHALLENGES FOR HUSBANDS

It must have been challenging for wives to read Paul’s strong word of admonition- to practise submission to their husbands, “as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). The challenge to husbands is no easier!

1. “Love your wives”

This is not a difficult task in itself. The challenge begins when the text is read in greater detail.

a) It is not difficult to love a good wife.
b) It is not difficult to love an obedient and submissive wife.

2. “Just as Christ loved the Church”

This is where the challenge commences:-

a) To love as Christ loved the Church

That is a very tall order indeed. It is difficult for any man to possess this kind of love.

b) To love a wife that is difficult to love

Could this set of circumstances exist? Unfortunately, yes!

i) There are wives who challenge the leadership of the husband continually.
ii) There are wives who will not practise submission easily.
iii) There are wives whose characters/personalities are difficult to appreciate.

3. “And gave Himself for her”

This is an even more difficult act to follow.

a) The context of Christ’s love

Christ’s love was for sinners! How hard it must have been to love sinful people.

b) Making the supreme sacrifice

He gave His life for people who did not love Him at all. Nevertheless, His love was strong enough to make the supreme sacrifice of giving his life.

MEETING CHALLENGES HUMBLY

The Christian husband must recognize that he cannot attempt to meet this challenge in his own strength. He would have to humbly seek the Lord’s grace and strength to be filled with this kind of love. Christian marriage is no easy task at all. Both husband and wife must find special strength from their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.