Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives

Husbands, be loving your wives according as Christ also loves the ecclesia, and gives Himself up for its sake…

In the previous verses, the women were addressed. The attitude of the ecclesia was presented to them, as an example of subordination. More is not asked of them. From this verse onwards, the men are addressed. Their example is Christ, who is the head of the ecclesia. What is expected of men is therefore so much more.

Men would love their wives, that is, to prove love unconditionally (agape). That is very different than liking. The latter is only a feeling and moreover, fully dependent on what the woman evokes in the man. Because he likes her, finds her attractive, sexy or nice. Those are nice extras but they do not have a lot to do with ‘loving unconditionally’. True love does not find its source in the attributes or in the behavior of the other person. True love does not become less when those qualities disappear. A man would love his wife because she is his wife. She was given to him for as long as he lives.

Christ loves the ecclesia. He loves his people that are gathered around him and proves that by giving her everything she needs.

Delen: