A Powerful Antidote
Tuesday, February 6
Ephesians 5:25-33 (ESV)
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
Devoción
“This mystery is profound . .” These words of Paul emphasize the importance of the lesson he is teaching. Let’s go back and see what he said in regard to how Christ loved the church. We read that he gave himself up for her and cleansed her with the water of the Word so that she would be without the stains of this world, and be holy without blemish.
The next words are, “in the same way, husbands should love their wives.”
Most husbands give of themselves to support their wives and families. Many even take on extra household responsibilities and show their love by taking their wives out on dates and showering them with gifts. Those are all great gestures, but do you give to your wife as Christ gave to the church? Are you faithful to wash her with the water of the Word of God?
Sitting down with your wife and exploring the truth of the Word of God will benefit both of you. It is in this way that you and your wife can become holy and live without the blemishes of this sinful world.
Do you pray with and for your wife? It is a very powerful antidote to counteract the poisons the world spews at us every day, when a husband prays with his wife, over her and their family.
These are the ways in which God calls a husband to be the head of the house. There is no greater responsibility than to lead your family to Christ each and every day.
Wives, you should come alongside him, truly respect him, submit to his spiritual authority, and together, draw closer to God and be an example to your children and all those around you.
Oración de hoy
The Husband’s’ Prayer
Querido Padre Celestial,
I thank You for designing the family unit according to Your perfect plan. Sometimes it’s a daunting task to be the head of the household, executing all the responsibilities that come with that title. Lord, I ask that You give me Your wisdom, so that I may achieve the greatest of all my responsibilities, leading my wife and our family to an intimate relationship with You, so that they may live holy and blameless lives. Lord, I pray Your blessings upon my wife and ask that You strengthen her as she goes about her many tasks each day. Strengthen me, Father, as I commit to strengthen my family. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
The Wives’ Prayer
Querido Padre Celestial,
I know in Your wisdom, You delegated my husband to be the head of the house, to lead me in Your ways, and I thank You. Help me, Lord, to come alongside him as, together, we draw to a closer walk with You. Be the head of our marriage and every aspect of our lives. I ask You to bless my husband and give him strength, wisdom, and wise counsel in all that he must achieve each day. Show me how to best help him to carry out this most important duty. Lead him, Father, that he may lead our family according to Your will. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Men, we challenge you to begin studying God’s word and praying with your wives today. Wives, submit to his spiritual authority and together you can draw closer to God, thereby leading your family to Him.
Recursos:
- Begin your challenge today by reading, 1 Corinthians 13, which is the love chapter. Commit to love one another unconditionally, as together you draw closer to God.
- Watch this powerful message, “Act Like a Man”, and take note of God’s design of creating man and woman for one another.