The closest relationship on earth is between a husband and wife. To lose or be betrayed by a husband or wife is a deep hurt. It is hardest to be godly in the home. A man could be like a saint outside the house and be like a bull inside the house. The husband must love his wife like Christ loves the Church.

1 – What is this love?

There are three Greek words for love that summarise what love is:-

• Eros – romantic love.
• Philia – family affection.
• Agape – self-giving and self-sacrificing. This is the kind of love that Christ showed for the Church.

2 – What was the purpose of His sacrifice?

Christ showed “agape” love so that he could present the Church as beautiful. The husband is to hang in with his wife, even when things are difficult. Women often suffer from self-esteem. The husband needs to build up his wife. She needs to realise her full potential.

3 – What does love look like practically?

See 1 Peter 3:7. We need to work hard to understand that women are different from men in a number of important ways. The woman does not have a moral, intellectual, or spiritual weakness compared to the man. The woman is physically weaker and more emotionally vulnerable (or sensitive) than the man. Every relationship hits hard times.

4 – A summary of the husband’s responsibility

• The husband is not to be a domineering figure who suppresses his wife.
• The husband must pray and discuss things with his wife. This openness leads to diversity.
• There is to be equality in their diversity. This equality leads to respect.
• We are to love our wives as Christ loved the Church.

Categories: Ephesians