Some reasons Christians MUST work to have healthy and Godly marriages are: 1) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is at stake. 2) The validity of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is on trial before the world. 3) The reality of God in believers through Christ is on display for all to see. Too over the top? Consider what Paul wrote about marriage in Ephesians 5:32…
This mystery (Marriage) is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
A husband must (will) love his wife because that is a picture to the world of how Christ loves the Church (5:25). Husbands… don’t present a false picture!
A husband must (will) love his wife to the point of dying for her and/or in her place. He does this intellectually… metaphorically… practically… and literally if necessary. He does this because his actions for his wife are a picture to the world of how Christ loves the Church. Husbands… don’t present a false picture!
A husband must (will) love his wife to the point of doing what it takes to build her up… encourage her… and strengthen her in the faith. He does this because that is a picture to the world of what Christ does for His Bride… the church. Husbands… don’t present a false picture!
A husband must (will) love his wife to the point of protecting her from anything that is not in her best interest and spiritual growth. He does this because that is a picture to the world of what Jesus does for His Bride… the church. Husbands… don’t present a false picture!
A husband must (will) love his wife to the point that he personally NEVER does ANYTHING that harms or hurts his bride. He does this because that is a picture to the world of how Jesus treats His Bride… the church. Husbands… don’t present a false picture!
A wife must (will) submit to her husband because this is what the Bride of Christ (Individually and corporately) does in the relationship to Jesus. Wives… don’t present a false picture to the world of Christ! (Note: It is easy to submit to a person when you know they love you and have proven it by their actions. Jesus showed His love for His Bride {The Church} by dying to save her! So husbands… help your wife in this by lavishing love on her so completely that her call is easy {easier?}).
See why we must work so that our marriages are what God intends? Otherwise the world sees a false picture of Jesus…