Friday, August 07, 2009

As Christ Loved the Church

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
(Eph 5:25-27)


When I think of that admonition that I am to love my wife as Christ loved the church, I am overwhelmed. I do love my wife. But do I love her to that degree? I am mere mortal. Christ is divine. I can't possibly love my wife like Christ loved His church. Christ lived a sinless life for His church. Then He bled and died on her behalf. He took her place. He who was without sin died for me! This He did so that she (I) should have no spot or wrinkle, but that she (I) should be holy and without blemish.

Yet, the very thing that Christ did for me (as a member of His church) is the only thing that enables me to do the same for my wife. No, I can't live a sinless life for her. But when I walk in the spirit, I'll not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. I can't make her pure and holy, but as I admonish her through the scriptures I lead her to the One who can.

Lord, wash me in your Word, so that I can wash her in your Word. Amen.

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