The card for my bride on our 37th Valentine’s Day:
“You make my heart happy
every single day.”
In front of “every” I wrote “almost”.
Just keeping it real.
About a decade ago, after a dynamic “conversation” with my bride, walking our black lab was my best exit from the dog house. I invited Jesus with us. I confessed, “Lord, I don’t know how to love my wife like You love your bride. Teach me.”
I’m still being schooled but I have notes.
5 Ways Jesus The Bridegroom Loves His Bride
~ The Bridegroom Honors His Bride
Jesus comes from a Bride-honoring family. His dad declined divorce and kept their marriage unconsummated until Jesus was born. Jesus extended the family honor with His dying request of his best friend to care for his dad’s bride. The genesis of His God-ordained union of a man and woman is in creation. His unadulterated view of women respects His bride deeply. His marriage “yes” means yes, rich or poor, joy or sorrow, health or sick until death, and, with Him, happily ever after.
~ The Bridegroom Serves His Bride
Jesus’ love language speaks through selfless serving like cooking breakfast and washing feet. Jesus leads not from a throne but with a towel. As a wedding guest He served the best last. His wedding reception welcomes all His friends.
~ The Bridegroom Purifies His Bride
Jesus’ words purify His bride. He speaks faith in her, peace to her, healing for her. Jesus confronts ignorance that renders a marriage powerless. He showers Shalom.
~ The Bridegroom Prays for His Bride
Jesus prayed early, often and long. He prayed with thanksgiving for her as God’s gift. Her protection is central. He prays not just for His bride but also the next generations.
~ The Bridegroom Dies for His Bride
Jesus gave Himself up to make a holy, radiant bride. He will pay the full ransom, for there is no greater love than laying down His life for His bride.
In a sea of marriage stats and statutes, data and debates, Jesus the Bridegroom anchors the sanctity of marriage to the plasticity of the heart. A hard heart leads to divorce. A tender heart leads to devotion.
Marriage Vows
I often ask Jesus how He would love my bride if He was me. How is your marriage vowing? Is your spouse honored? How will you serve your spouse in this week, without being asked or recognized? What Scripture can you speak, write, text or post to bless your spouse? What are your spouse’s top three concerns you will take before the Father? What sacrifice at your “end” are you willing to let go of for your spouse?
You Promised
Not long after my stroll with my dog & Jesus, my elderly, godly friend Ed gave me A Promise Kept, an inspiring story of university president Robertson McQuilkin’s resignation to care for his wife with Alzheimer’s. Same love story for Ed & Eliza. May their Bridegroom-like love inspire you as well.
by Doug Webster
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jesus College – Mentoring Apprentices to Master Love
Sign up to receive a free PDF of “Worry Free Living” Course!
Jesus College Blog 