Faithful husbands & Fathers
To be a faithful father you need to put your love for Jesus on display. The most practical way to show your love for God is how love your wife.
Ephesians 5:25-33 lays out how husbands should love their wives.
(These principles are also good for everyone in all of their relationships, so even if you’re not a husband or father - this is the kind of love you should show to others.)
Husbands, love your wife with a:
1. Sacrificial Love
Love her sacrificially - as a reflection of Christ’s love for us.
You’ll never see a better picture of sacrificial love than when you look to the cross..
2. Sanctifying Love
The main goal of the Christian life is:
The pursuit of sanctification.
Jesus desires us to be holy (Ephesians 1:4, John 17:17, 1 Peter 1 :15)
One of your goals in marriage must be that your wife is growing in holiness
A Word-Focused Family is Dad’s responsibility.
3. Caring Love
Do you care for her as much as you do for yourself?
Put as much energy into her wants and needs as you do into your own
4. Permanent Love
Hold fast - means permanent
Again: a reflection of the gospel.
There is literally nothing a believer can to to cause Jesus to stop loving them.
Your commitment to your wife should be the same as the commitment Jesus has to all Christians.
5. Gospel Love
Your love for your wife should be a living picture of the gospel.
Jesus is the Groom - we are His bride.
(click here for an explanation of the gospel)
When you talk with your children about the gospel - about sacrificial love. About how our Father in Heaven loves us. How Christ loves His bride. They should be able to understand all of that because they’ve watched how their Father loves their Mom - His bride.
Memorize this Acronym:
You’ll be blessed when you love your wife B.E.S.T.
B - Blessing Her
• speaking good words
both to her & about her (never speak poorly of her ever)
• behavior
show kindness in both big, grand gestures and in the little things
• be thankful and appreciative (words again)
• prayer to God on her behalf
Constantly think of ways to bless you wife
E - Edifying her
Building her up - Cheering her on
Always encouraging her
When you build up your wife in every way you can - you are literally building up your family
S - Sharing with Her
Sharing time, activities, interests, concerns, resources , money, ideas, deep thoughts, goals, and your spiritual walk
You’re One Flesh - that means sharing everything.
T - Touching Her
(More than the bedroom)
Start by holding her hand whenever possible.
Touching will foster an affectionate closeness in your marriage.
When you keep these “BEST” practices in mind, it will help you love your Bride as Christ loves the church! And God will be honored in your marriage.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
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