Love one Self

Ephesians 5:28–30

 

Elkanah was so much in love with his wife Hannah and would always give her a double portion of whatever he has earned. 

He knew the Lord has closed her womb and in those days being childless was a terrible shame for women but he loved her deeply.

He consoles her whenever she wept, he would say to her: "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:9) 

This is parallel to what Paul explains here, that husbands should love his wife with sacrificial love and he is not to love her only if it is convenient to him or only if she is perfect. 

The husband and wife are to compliment each other and God designed the institution of marriage so that one is suited to the other.

The husband is to love his wife in the same way that Christ loves the church. As the church is Christ’s body, so the wife is the husband’s body. 

To the extent a husband loves his own body, he is to love his wife. As we take care of our bodies, they are to prudently care for their wives.

Since his wife is part of him and intimately united with him, how he treats his wife affects him.

For his wife, being thus loved and cared for will be strengthened for performing her duty; and her mind is improved, her conversation will give him the greater pleasure. 

 Having high esteem for her husband, she will submit to the hardships of her inferior station with cheerfulness.

While we adore and rejoice in the condescending love of Christ, let husbands and wives learn hence their duties to each other. 

Thus the worst evils would be prevented, and many painful effects would be avoided. 

Ask yourself:

1.How strong is the bond of love between you and your spouse?

2.Are you taking your spouse for granted?

3.Has your marriage made you grow spiritually?

 

Let us Pray:

Lord Jesus, we ask for Your direction and wisdom as we seek to portray that bond in our marriage. Please help us as we endeavor to exhibit respect, submission, and Christlike love to each other in a manner that reflects You. 

May we daily serve each other with humility, encourage each other with sincerity and spur each other’s faith on with enthusiasm. Amen.