July 30, 2015
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:25-33
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Questions for Reflection:
Paul sets an incredibly high standard for husbands. Who sets the model that husbands are to follow? How did Jesus Christ demonstrate his love for the church? How can a husband give himself up for his wife? What would your relationships look like if you took that same mentality with them? How does Paul summarize the teaching in verse 33? How can you grow in your ability to love others?