We were at a couples’ meeting recently. The subject for consideration was; “How do I love my spouse?” The discussion had progressed to the point where we read the injunction to husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Then we began to consider “How did Christ love the Church?” A brother broke it down in plain English and said “You know you are loving your wife as Christ loved the Church when you are willing to give up one of your kidneys for your wife without stopping to think about it” To the utter amazement of everyone, another brother blurted out “I would willingly give both my kidneys to my wife!” A great hush fell over the room as everyone considered the import of those words. Well, that room must have been full of noble husbands because right after he said that, man after man declared “I will gladly take the bullet for my wife” “I will give my life to save my wife!” I imagined that those wives filled with a renewed sense of worth, secretly prayed against any situation that would test their husband’s love to that measure!
While it is praiseworthy that a man is willing to lay down his life for his wife, let us ask ourselves what little things we may also willingly give up to preserve and protect our cherished ones and the relationships we hold dear. Little things like our rights, our pride, our time, our friends, or something so little as our money! In the midst of a conflict, you may find out that these seemingly “little things” are magnified in value when you are the one required to give it. When you reach that crossroad remember that giving is what loving is about.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
