Monday, February 13, 2017

February 14, 2017

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm am blessed with a fine Valentine! I love you Barbara!

While it is possible Valentine's Day is promoted as much by Hallmark, florists, fine dining and chocolatiers as much as by romantically inclined couples love is always worthy of celebration.

But, when the Apostle Paul wrote this challenge to husbands in the Ephesian Church I don't think he was thinking about just one day in the year. In fact, I think he intended for every man of God to make each day a Valentine's Day for his wife.

How does that happen?


Love intentionally.

"Husbands love your wives....."

First of all love is a decision. And if love begins with a decision it is possible every day! 

Men, if you can choose to order flowers or make dinner reservations once a year you can certainly choose to love and honor her every day!

Love passionately.

"....just as Christ loved the Church...."

Intentional love involves the mind or the will. It is a choice to devote love to one special person.

Passionate love involves the emotions or the heart. I choose to love you above all others and I choose to express it in words, actions and attitudes!

To love passionately I will pour gas on my positive emotions and water on the critical thoughts.

Love sacrificially.

".....and gave himself up for her...."

The ultimate expression of love is sacrifice. Love costs something! Love places the needs of the loved one ahead of his own needs. Love places the desires of the loved one ahead of his own desires. Love sacrifices time and money to make life better for the one you love.

Think of all that Jesus sacrificed to prove His love for you and them ask Him to help you love your life in those same ways!

Go ahead and pick out a nice card, buy candy or send flowers today. But more importantly, commit to loving your wife so well that every day will feel like Valentine's Day!