LifeLink Devotions for Friday, February 14, 2025

It’s Valentine’s Day, and our hearts are longing to express our love to someone and have them express love back to us. But what should love look like? According to Scripture, love starts with God sending His own Son to meet our need of redemption from sin. The principles of Christ’s love for us are to be the non-negotiable principles of our love that are to be fulfilled in marriage through the husband.

Sacrificial Love: Jesus demonstrated His love for the church through His ultimate sacrifice, giving His life on the cross for the salvation of humanity. Similarly, a husband’s love should be selfless and sacrificial, putting his wife’s needs and well-being above his own. This means being willing to make sacrifices, both big and small, to support and care for her.

Unconditional Love: Jesus’ love for the church is unconditional and unwavering, regardless of the church’s flaws and shortcomings. A husband’s love should also be steadfast and enduring, loving his wife through all circumstances and challenges, just as Christ loves His church without condition.

Nurturing Love: Jesus nurtures and cares for the church, helping it grow and flourish spiritually. In the same way, a husband should support his wife’s growth and well-being, encouraging her in her pursuits, dreams, and spiritual journey. This includes providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support.

Protective Love: Jesus is the protector of the church, guarding it against spiritual harm and guiding it with wisdom and love. A husband should also be a protector for his wife, safeguarding her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This involves being attentive, considerate, and proactive in addressing any challenges or threats that may arise.

Forgiving Love: Jesus extends grace and forgiveness to the church, even when it falls short. A husband’s love should be characterized by grace and forgiveness, being willing to reconcile and move forward together after disagreements or mistakes.

Commitment: Jesus’ commitment to the church is eternal and unbreakable. A husband’s love should mirror this level of commitment, being faithful and dedicated to his wife through all seasons of life. This involves prioritizing the relationship and working together to overcome any obstacles.

By embodying these principles, a husband reflects the love of Jesus Christ for each of us, and glorifies God. In this way both lovers, husband and wife, can know what real love is.

Pastor John