Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

 March 20– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church.” 

—Ephesians 5:25

What a golden example Christ gives to his disciples! Few teachers could venture to say, “If you want to practice my teaching, imitate my life.” But, as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, he can point to himself as the paragon of holiness as well as the teacher of it. The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the grace which was in him.

As a husband, the Christian is to look upon the portrait of Christ Jesus, and he is to paint according to that pattern. The true Christian is to be such a husband as Christ was to his church. The love of a husband to his wife is special, and the Lord Jesus has a peculiar affection for his church; he cherishes his chosen people above the rest of mankind. He says of his disciples, “I pray for them; but I don’t pray for the world.” The elect church is the favorite of heaven, the treasure of Christ, the crown of his head, the bracelet of his arm, the breastplate of his heart, and the center of his love.

A husband should love his wife with a constant love because that is how Jesus loves his church. His display of affection may vary, but not the affection itself. A husband’s love should be enduring, for nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord. A husband’s love should be hearty, fervent, and intense. It is not mere lip service but full of action. What more could Christ have done to demonstrate his love than what he has done? Jesus delights in his spouse. He prizes her affection and is sweetly satisfied in her.

Believer, you wonder at Jesus’ love. You admire it. But are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships, is the rule and measure of your love “even as Christ loved the church?” [M&E]