Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.

Ephesians 5:25-30

Too many people stop at the topic of submission and neglect four little words that will make a difference in your marriage. “Husbands, love your wives.”

If you’re married like me, Paul instructs us to love our wives and he tells us how – as Christ loved the church. So a husband who wants to follow Christ’s example in his life will live a life that sacrifices his own needs for the one he loves.

You probably can think of a couple of marriages where the husband truly lives out his calling to love his wife in the way he treats her, even when no one is looking. On the other hand, we all know there are a growing number of marriages that appear to be crumbling. Could it be that we as men and husbands have neglected our responsibility to love, especially loving our wives? Is it possible that any particular husband might become preoccupied with his career or a hobby and neglect his wife? Could it be that sometimes we put our own needs ahead of others? Could it be that we are sometimes more than a little selfish?

If you’re married, ask her today how you can more effectively show your love to her. Her answer may surprise you.