For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her (Ephesians 5:25, NLT).

I took his love for granted. My husband epitomizes Ephesians 5:25. He has always put me before everyone else, but God. Our courtship was brief, but he said he knew right away that I was the one he wanted to marry. However, my lack of understanding of how to accept true love from a man led me to take our relationship for granted. After a while, he grew weary and decided he wanted a divorce.

Agape love prevails. The world would have had my husband move on and carry unforgiveness in his heart. But, he did not. Through much prayer and understanding of God’s word, he came back for his wife, making our union whole once again. I love him with all of my heart and I will never take him for granted again.

Nothing can compare to the love of Christ. He died for us. The blueprint for how a man should love a woman is found in the Holy Bible. Paul’s instructions are clear and sound doctrine. Despite what we have done and the sins we have committed, Christ continues to love us. He is forgiving and sees the good within us. In the same vein, husbands are admonished to do the same.

Husbands, we wives are not perfect. Do not give up on us. Teach us how to receive the fulfilling love you offer. Wives, receive your husband’s love and show your appreciation for all of the sacrifices he makes for you. He represents Christ in your life.

Prayer: Lord, your word says that when a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing. Forgive me when I fall short of being the helpmeet that he needs on a daily basis. We thank you for marriages, for lessons learned, for true love, and especially for restoration. Amen.

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• Reprinted with permission, this week’s blog is an excerpt from “Praise from the Pews: A 70 Day Devotional” (2017). If you were encouraged by this devotional, you will really be blessed by the other 89 devotionals offered in “Praise from the Pews.” It may be purchased on the home page of this web site and will be shipped to you speedily.