Does your wife know she's a gift from God?

"Husbands, love your wives,

just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Ephesians 5:25

An Interesting Read

I recently read a book, Green by Ted Dekker. It’s the fourth in a series about a man named Thomas Hunter. The book is an allegory for Christianity, and Dekker is a fantastic author. In this story, Thomas is separated from his wife due to circumstances beyond his control. While talking with his sister, he tries to explain what his wife means to him:

“I’m telling you, she is my breath. A constant reminder that Elyon (the book's representation of God) longs for me the way I long for her. Without her I would dry up like an uprooted Catalina cactus. She’s water to me, my gift from the Giver of all that is good. She’s my sky, my reason for waking… she is my life. It’s all about Him (God); of course it is. But I see Him in her.”

My Takeaway

After reading that paragraph, I thought, “I know I love my wife, but does she know how much I love her?” She is certainly a gift from God, the Giver of all that is good. She knows that I will provide for her and protect her—but does she truly know how much I love her and how thankful I am for her?

If we're being honest as men and husbands, for many of us—including me—the answer is probably not. And that shouldn’t be the case. I’m sure we get it right sometimes: Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. But Jesus’ love for us isn’t visible only part of the time. It’s constant, available, and evident always.

My Challenge

So, moving forward—love your wife. Pursue your wife. Make sure she knows how thankful you are for her, that she is your “gift from the Giver of all that is good.” Take her on dates. Learn and speak her love language. Disciple her. Love her like Christ loved the church—and watch her, and your marriage, flourish.

Thad Hardin

MD5 Facilitator