Faith Series by EKG HR · Devotional for Husbands · Great for Couples
Session 3 — Love That Reflects Christ
Servant leadership, surrender, and sacrificial love in marriage.
Theme Verse
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)
Study Focus
The Bible gives husbands one model of love: Christ’s love for the Church.
Not culture. Not ego. Not upbringing. Christ alone.
And how did Christ love?
- Without conditions
- With sacrifice
- With tenderness
- With humility
- With leadership rooted in service
He pursued, protected, provided, and washed His bride with the Word (Ephesians 5:26).
Which means:
Marriage is not about being the boss — it’s about being the first to serve.
The first to forgive. The first to sacrifice. The first to protect. The first to love.
Christlike love costs something — pride, comfort, preference — but it produces something far greater: trust, safety, and unity.
Key Scriptures
- Ephesians 5:25–28 — Sacrificial, nourishing, cherishing love.
- John 13:1–5 — Leadership expressed in humility.
- Philippians 2:5–8 — Love empties itself of pride for the sake of others.
- 1 Peter 3:7 — Understanding, honoring, and cherishing your wife.
Word Study — paradidomi (“to hand over, surrender completely”)
The Greek word paradidomi means:
- to give over
- to yield oneself
- to surrender for the benefit of another
Christ didn’t lose His life — He gave it.
In marriage, love is not passive — it is a chosen surrender for her good. This surrender is not weakness; it is leadership shaped by Christ Himself.
Reflection Questions
- Is my love more like Christ’s surrender — or culture’s control?
- Do I lead in ways that make my wife feel secure — or pressured?
- What does it cost me to love her like Christ?
- When was the last time I served her quietly, without needing recognition?
Application — “Christlike Love in Motion”
Practice three small sacrifices this week:
- 1. Sacrifice (Time or Comfort): Pause what you’re doing to help her with something she values.
- 2. Serve Without Spotlight: Do a task she normally carries — quietly.
- 3. Speak Life: Pray over her or leave a written affirmation.
Daily Reflection Prompt:
“Today, I loved her like Christ by…”
Couples Reflection Corner — Something to Share
“Real love is not about winning — it’s about willingly laying things down for each other.”
Talk About It
- What is one small way we can serve each other more intentionally this week?
Prayer Together
“Jesus, help our love reflect Yours — patient, humble, and full of grace. Teach me to lead like You led — with a towel, not a throne. Amen.”
A Husband’s Prayer for His Wife
“Lord Jesus, teach me to love my wife as You love Your Church. Give me a servant’s heart. Help me lay down pride, selfishness, and impatience. Fill me with humility and tenderness. Strengthen my wife with Your peace, and let my love be a reflection of Your grace. Amen.”
EKG Leadership Insight
In business and in marriage, leadership is never about position — it is about posture.
Employees don’t thrive under fear. Wives don’t thrive under control.
Both flourish under leaders who serve first and love well.
Where people are cherished — performance follows.