Notes From the Pastor's Desk
February 15, 2026
Loving As Jesus Loved
In God's word, the husband is commanded to love His wife (Eph. 5:25). Yesterday was Valentine's Day and we think about the love we have for our sweetheart or our spouse. The responsible husband is to not only love his wife, but to love her as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. We could never fully fathom in this life the phrase, “As Christ loved the church…” Consider with me some comparisons in loving our mate as Christ loved the church.
I. Love Plans
God loved human beings so much, that before we were ever created, He made plans in the dateless time of eternity past. The Bible says Christ was “foreordained” before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:20)… God knew man would sin, so He had already made provision for man's sin before the earth was. I believe Father, Son and Holy Ghost made definite plans for the objects of their love in the dateless past. If you love another person, all your plans revolve around them. God made His plans to meet our needs. So should the husband for the wife.
II. Love Purposes
Since God loved man so much, He purposed that His Son would give His life a sacrifice for sinful men and bring forth a bride (Rev. 22:17). Love is revealed in a determination to be with that person who is loved. Jesus came so that man could once again be in fellowship with God. The Lord wants everyone to be in fellowship with Him. Love purposes to be with the love of your life and not allow anything to sever your love for that other person.
III. Love Proposes
God's love proposal to mankind is at the cross. It is through His cross, and the work of the Holy Ghost, that God offers a proposal to mankind. I thank God one day when He said, “Will you” —… I said, “I will.” Because you cared so much about your spouse, one day you offered a proposal to her. Aren't you glad he or she did not refuse your invitation?
IV. Love Pardons
When you love someone you ought to be able to forgive them. Although we did not merit God's forgiveness, through His precious blood, He has sent our sins as far away as the east is from the west (Ps. 103:12). If a husband and wife are not willing to forgive one another, then how can we expect God to be willing to forgive us? It would be wise to consider (Mk. 11:25-26). Love is deeply interested in granting pardon and forgiveness.
V. Love Protects and Provides
Since God loves us, He is our defense (Ps. 59:9). It is out of His love the Lord provides for us (Phil. 4:19). If a man loves his wife, he will do all he can to protect and provide for her. The Bible says if one does not provide for his household, he is “worse than an infidel, and denied the faith” (1 Tim. 5:8). Love your wife or husband through the indwelling (Gk. agape) love of God through the Holy Spirit.