Ephesians 5:27
“that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”
This is following the command for husbands to love their wives. The comparison is being made to Christ and the church. He loved us so much that He gave Himself up for us. Then He cleanses us by the washing of the water of the word, so that we would be presentable, having no spot or wrinkle, holy and blameless.
This is quite a romance story. It’s like a good man takes a homeless woman for a wife, but he had to pay everything he had for her. Like my fair lady, He educates her and he falls in love. He reaches several levels below to rescue her.
Jesus did much to rescue us. Romans 5:10 says, “For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life.” We were still selfish, self serving when He saved us. Through a miracle He gives us a new heart where we want to serve and love Him.
He also works circumstances to protect and teach us. Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We have never experienced such love.
This is how we are to love our wives. We can never be as loving as Jesus, but He will help us to be loving. We are to initiate it. There will be plenty of opportunities to love and sacrifice.
Are we to love even if we don’t get love in return? He will help. We don’t blindly love. We reason with one another. God is working in them as well. A good marriage has God at work. Our selfishness would sabotage it. God gets much credit when a life is blessed. A loving, dedicated spouse is His aim. If we seek His help, He gives it.
Lord, thank You for being at work in us. We are grateful for the life You’ve given.