Today I want to talk to the men reading this devotion. Whether you are married or still in the place of waiting for the right person, this verse gives us the key to a successful relationship with our mate. Of course, the context of this is directed to those of us who are husbands but, it certainly can be applied during your courtship time. As you know from previous devotions that there are three types of loves mentioned in the Scripture. Philios, brotherly love, Eros, physical and sexual love, and Agape, unconditional love. The Greek word chosen by the Holy Spirit is the latter, agape! That does not preclude the former, but it does clearly put emphasis on the true foundation of a relationship, unconditional love.

The verb agape is from the root word meaning “to show pity to the needy regardless of their situation.” It is also the root of the word only used to describe God, merciful! It means that one does not looks for reasons not to assist but rather the need outweighs the circumstances. God saw us drowning in the lake of our sin. He didn’t look for a reason we were there; He saw the direness of our situation and acted. There was no guarantee that we would reciprocate that love, He just responded! Now, because He did act to rescue me, experiencing His love, I responded. My relationship with God isn’t built on a set of rules and regulations. My relationship is built upon my response to what He has done for me! I try to keep the rules as best I can because I love Him, not because I am afraid of Him! That is the difference between a religion and a relationship! A verse I claimed for myself is Psalm 40.

“He brought me up out of a horrible pit [of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock, steadying my footsteps and establishing my path. 3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear [with great reverence] And will trust confidently in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3 AMP

Let’s continue. The verse today commands us to “love our wives as Christ loves the church.” We know that the Apostle isn’t talking about the building or the denomination. The church is made up of saints…imperfect saints! Do you see it? God’s love for us is ever flowing, everlasting, and full of grace. The church is full of imperfect people on the road to heaven. We sin, we make mistakes, we act out at times but, God’s love is sustained. That is the picture of what God is calling us husband to. If we will love our wives as God loves the church, the previous verses will fall into place. 

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as [a service] to the Lord. 23For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body. 24But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house].” Ephesians 5:22-24 AMP

This is not a verse of subjection; it’s a response to unconditional love and sacrifice. Remember that we are called the bride and Christ the Husband. The verse commands that “wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house,” That is the place that we as husbands should be standing in with God! 

Agape love is not easy. In fact, Jesus asked Peter if He loved Him, agape. Peter’s response, philos. Again, Jesus asks, “Do you agape me?” again Peter responds philos. The third time Jesus aske “Do you Philos Me?” Jesus knew that in our natural state we cannot Agape but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can overcome our selfishness and love our wives as Christ loves us. Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken