LOVE & MARRIAGE — GOD’S BLUEPRINT "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." – Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) Marriage is not a human invention; it is God’s design. From the beginning, He established it as a sacred covenant, not just a social contract (Genesis 2:24). In Ephesians 5, Paul reveals God’s blueprint for marriage — a relationship modeled after Christ’s love for the church. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and sanctifying. It is not based on fleeting emotions but on a deep commitment to honor God and serve one another. God calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church. This means leading with humility, serving with devotion, and sacrificing for the well-being of their spouse. Christ’s love was not passive; He gave everything for His bride, the church. Likewise, a godly husband prioritizes his wife’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. He does not dominate but nurtures; he does not take advantage but protects. True biblical love is not about control but about Christlike service. Wives, in turn, are called to respect and support their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24). This respect is not about inferiority but about partnership — reflecting the harmony between Christ and His church. Just as the church submits to Christ’s loving leadership, a wife honors her husband’s role, knowing that he is accountable to God. Biblical submission is not forced but freely given, rooted in trust and love. When both spouses fulfill their God-given roles, marriage becomes a beautiful testimony of the gospel. Marriage is also meant to be a reflection of God’s faithfulness. The world treats love as conditional, but God’s love is unwavering. He calls couples to remain faithful, forgiving, and steadfast, just as He is with us. In times of conflict, rather than acting out of selfishness, couples are to extend grace, communicate in love, and seek reconciliation. Christ-centered marriages are built not on worldly ideals but on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Whether you are married, preparing for marriage, or single, God’s design for love remains the same — selfless, Christlike, and enduring. Marriage is not simply about finding happiness but about displaying God’s love to the world. By embracing His blueprint, we not only experience the beauty of a godly relationship but also reflect the greater reality of Christ’s love for His people. Meditate! Does my understanding of love and marriage align with God’s Word? Pray! Lord, help me to see love and marriage through Your eyes. Teach me to love selflessly, to serve willingly, and to honor the covenant of marriage as You intended. Let my relationships reflect Your truth and bring You glory. Amen. Act! If you are married, be intentional about loving and serving your spouse today. If you are single, commit to preparing for a future relationship by cultivating Christlike love and character. Read! Genesis 2:18-24, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 5:21-33, Colossians 3:12-14, Hebrews 13:4. Marriage, when lived according to God’s design, is a powerful testimony of His love. Whether in marriage or singleness, let your love story be one that honors Him! SpiritWord × February 25, 2025 (C) Oluremi. OmuAjose, Ijebu. = Thank you for receiving The Word. To get it directly on WhatsApp, please follow our channel http://bit.ly/40W151F. March edition of LAMBANO holds by 10am this Saturday. Here's a divine opportunity to redeem the time and take hold of God's promises. Join us on Thursday online via https://bit.ly/41dqnIJ or onsite at 5:30pm (WAT) as we gather for another DEEPDIVE. You can also be part of CAMPUS KINGDOM DECREES every Thursday at 4am (WAT). For Counselling and/or Intercession, kindly mail [email protected]. Know someone looking to build a solid foundation in their Christian walk? Encourage them to join the Believers' Foundational Class! For details, email [email protected]. To get updates, partner/donate and other inquiries related to our ministry operations, please reach us via mail or Whatsapp. See you at 20:45 (NGR) for BUILDUP. https://bit.ly/4jDJORV.