Sacrifice in marriage model from a bible perspective that the Holy-Spirit put in my heart: commitment to spouse will lead to sacrificial behaviour towards spouse which will lead to a strong marriage with an envrionment of love. (Please see diagram below)
The concept of sacrifice in marriage, as modelled in the Bible, emphasises selflessness, commitment, and unconditional love towards one’s spouse. This sacrificial love is rooted in the example set by Jesus Christ, who demonstrated the ultimate act of love through His sacrificial death on the cross for humanity.
Ephesians 5:25-28 (ESV) beautifully illustrates this concept: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
In this passage, husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This sacrificial love is characterized by:
- Commitment: Just as Christ was fully committed to the well-being and sanctification of the church, husbands are called to be fully committed to their wives, and wives vice versa to their husbands. This mindset entails prioritizing the needs, desires, and growth of one’s spouse above one’s own. This mutual commitment fosters love, trust, and unity in marriage.
- Selflessness: Sacrificial love in marriage requires selflessness, putting aside one’s own interests and desires for the sake of the other. This involves making sacrifices, big and small, to ensure the happiness and flourishing of one’s spouse.
- Unconditional Love: Like Christ’s love for the church, sacrificial love in marriage is unconditional and unwavering. It is not based on the merit or worthiness of the recipient but is freely given out of deep love and devotion.
- Servanthood: Sacrificial love in marriage involves serving one’s spouse with humility and gentleness, seeking their well-being and happiness above one’s own. This servant-leadership model reflects Christ’s example of humility and service to others.
By embodying sacrificial love in marriage, couples create an environment of mutual respect, trust, and love that strengthens their relationship and fosters emotional intimacy. Sacrifice becomes a cornerstone of a strong and thriving marriage, where both partners prioritize each other’s needs and strive to build a life together rooted in love and commitment.
God bless you, and may He bless your marriage in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: My marriage will not die but it will thrive and flourish by the power of the Holy-Spirit, in Jesus Name
