Love, defined as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person, is usually treated as just a noun in most situations. With marriages, in particular, it’s more important that it be shown rather than just said. It’s an action word for sure.
So husbands, I’m challenging you with this post. Do you really, truly, without question love your wife? Now before you answer that, I want you to consider a few things. I know you probably feel the love you have for her, and you might also say it pretty often. However, you can say and even think you’re loving your spouse, but if you don’t love her like the Ephesians chapter 5, verse 25 expression of love, you’re not really loving her.
Allow me to break it down. It reads “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Although giving yourself up for your wife sounds like one specific action, there are several ways a husband can give himself up. Think about it for just a second. Answering these next few questions will help you see whether or not you truly love your wife the way God intended.
What have you given up for your wife?
Have you given up a need to be right?
Have you given up your desire for other women?
Have you given up those distractions preventing you from being happy in your marriage?
Have you given up any competitive mentalities within your marriage?
Have you given up jealousy?
Have you given up an uncontrollable temper?
Have you given up unrealistic expectations? Are you expecting her to be everything to you and you’re only being half of that to her?
Have you given up loving her with conditions?
Have you given up putting yourself first? Are you able to make her the priority?
Have you given up those bad habits that don’t serve your marriage well?
Have you given up mistreating her?
Have you given up making everything her fault?
Have you given up taking her for granted?
Have you given up your pride/ego?
It may seem like a long list of sacrifices to make, but isn’t your wife worth it? Isn’t the future of your marriage worth it? You chose marriage and with that choice comes certain responsibilities.
Remember the question I asked at the beginning? Do you really love your wife? If you haven’t loved her in this way yet, know that today is a new day and you can begin at anytime loving her properly.
BMWK, what else should husbands give up for their wives?