What a golden example Christ sets before us! How few teachers could dare to say, "If you want to practice what I teach, then imitate my life"? But Jesus can! His life is the perfect portrait of holy living. He can point to himself as both the teacher of righteousness and the living example of it.

Christians should accept nothing less than Christ as their model. Under no circumstances should we be satisfied unless we reflect the grace that was in him. And husbands? Look upon the portrait of Christ Jesus, and paint your marriage according to that divine masterpiece. The Christian husband is called to be to his wife what Christ is to his church.

First, a husband's love must be special. The Lord Jesus holds a unique affection for his church, an affection that sets her apart from all the world. "I pray for them," he said, "I do not pray for the world." The church is heaven's favorite, Christ's treasure, the crown on his head, the bracelet on his arm, the breastplate on his heart. She is the very center and core of his love.

A husband should love his wife with constant love. This is how Jesus loves his church. He does not waver in his affection. His displays of love may vary, but the love itself? Unchangeable. Forever.

A husband should love his wife with enduring love. Nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing!

A true husband loves his wife with passionate love, fervent and intense. Not mere lip-service. Not empty words. Ah, beloved, what more could Christ have done to prove his love than what he has done? He bled for her! He died for her! He rose for her!

And Jesus delights in his bride. He treasures her affection. He rejoices over her with sweet satisfaction.

Believer, you wonder at the love of Jesus. You admire it—but are you imitating it? In your own home, with your own spouse, is this the rule and measure of your love: "even as Christ loved the church"?