Nothing on earth is as beautiful as a home
where Christ is given control.

        In Ephesians 5.25-33, you are directed to specialize at home in one great task: "husbands, love your wives."

    Behind the simplicity of this command lies the profound depth of the love of Christ, for in all respects the Lord Jesus Christ is the husband's example! In this love of the Christian husband for his wife are four essential nutrients, all of which are seen in Ephes. 5.22-23.

    God has specified human authority for the home; "For the husband is the head of the wife" (Ephes 5.23). This is a glorious privilege for you -- to be the head as Christ is the head of the church.  Without proper balance, a husband could use his position as a weapon to justify ruling his home with military harshness. The biblical quality of a husband's leadership at home directly reflects his personal submission to the authority of Jesus Christ in his own life.

    God wants you to be in love with your wife! Think of that!! And he desires this so much that he has provided the live-in teacher, the Holy Spirit; through the Holy Spirit (alone!) God can equip any husband to assume his position of loving authority.

    Your headship is tremendously important, for your wife looks for your leadership "in everything" (Ephes 5.24). You are to love "with actions and in truth"(1 John 3.18)

    Just as Christ continually and effectually nourishes and cares for the church, so too your love for your wife must be demonstrated often and consistently. In Ephes.5.26-29, Paul portrays our Lord progressively preparing his bride, the church; cleansing, sanctifying, removing spots and wrinkles, nourishing, cherishing. No shortcuts!

    How far should you go in expressing love to your wife. The words in Eph 5.25 remain as an eternal memorial to our Savior's depth of commitment to love us. "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her."  This love calls you to sacrifice time, feelings, and personal rights in order to build up your wife and develop her character, and to promote unity and intimacy in your relationship with her. 

    It may also be that through your sacrifices the Spirit of God will transform your wife's character, a goal that is of the highest priority for a Christian husband. The perfection of your wife's character will be one of the dearest objects in life to the Christian husband. He will desire for her that which is highest and best. He has been put in charge of a soul more precious to him than any other, over which he has an influence incomparably great.

    Pray together regularly. Make it a daily habit. Pray about your dreams, burdens, problems, and pressures. Praise the Lord together. Fuse your hearts together before the throne of grace.   Understand her daily routine. Take time to expose yourself to the life she lives each day. Let your wife contribute to your life..don't deny yourself or your children this wonderful resource. 

Trust her. Guard her honor with people. Defend her interests. Protect her femininity and dignity.

    The rewards for loving your wife in obedience to Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit are more than you can possibly imagine!