Photo by Marc A. Sporys on Unsplash
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
(Ephesians 5:25, NIV).
Valentine’s Day has come and gone. The roses have wilted and the box of chocolate candy may still be on the dining table. The dinner tab will be coming in on the next credit card billing cycle. Thankfully, I didn’t forget to celebrate Valentine Day this year!
Mother’s Day is around the corner. Hmm, do I have to do something for her on Mother’s Day too? Well, no, it should be my children who should bake, make or take her out for dinner, not me! It’s their turn! I’m sitting this one out! Or, should I?
Ephesians 5 declares that husbands are to love their wife just as Christ loved the church or even loves me. I am thankful God doesn’t love me once a year or maybe twice a year! He loves me every moment of every day, 365 days a year. His love is unending for me and for you.
Wait a moment. Am I to love my wife in that manner? All the time without any breaks at all? Am I to be that self-giving or can I be just a little selfish here and there? Am I to be selfless to her?
It’s really hard not to grumble underneath my breath when my wife shops for three to four hours! She will go from store to store. It is not surprising that a day or two later, she will be back at the same store again for another two hours of shopping. Patience and endurance are given but is it a loving patience and endurance. I admit that my patience is short, not some of the time, but most of the time.
How does a husband show loving patience and respect to his wife or even his children? We’re to love our spouse and our children just as Christ loved us. It’s a daily love, not just an on holidays love.
Kingston Tong
March 3, 2024