Have you ever felt the guilt of not living up to the standard of a Godly husband or wife? Everyone has because there is an impossible standard placed on us. But that standard isn’t placed there as an unattainable goal. It’s placed there to help us realize that apart from Jesus, we’ll never be good enough to live up to those standards. Recognizing that, and understanding that Jesus is better than anything we can be, do, or give to our spouse will make us that much better of a husband or wife.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ has loved the church and gave Himself up for her,” Ephesians 5:25

Sometimes We Fail as Husbands and Wives

As a Jesus follower and as a husband, whenever I read and meditate on this verse, I feel a sense of heaviness. I passionately desire to love my wife as Christ loves the Church. I strive to give myself wholly to and for my wife as we live the day to day in hopes to imitate Christ. I even practice leading my family by serving…

But here’s the thing; sometimes I fail… miserably.

Sometimes, without even realizing it, I make my wife feel like she isn’t good enough. Many times, I don’t know what to say to her anxiousness or fears. It hurts me to say this, but I even catch myself watching her do everything while I sit and do nothing. I’ve given of myself to her, only to receive something in return and I’ve ungratefully taken many things she gives. I take her for granted.

No matter how hard I try, the bad news and the truth is, I will always fail her.

The other bad news is, if my wife is looking to me for satisfaction, joy or fulfillment, it will always be incomplete. I’m a crumby God; all husbands are.

The Good News is Jesus’ Love is Perfect

But here’s the good news. Jesus is better!
His love is never conditional.
He has given Himself perfectly, for you and I.
His peace surpasses knowledge.
His joy is inexplicable.
His Faithfulness is eternal, and His love, PERFECT.

Husbands, I challenge you today to admit when you fail. Own your failures and ask your wife for forgiveness, and then point her to the One who will never fail her.

Wives, I challenge you today not to place your husband in the position of God, because we, as husbands, are not worthy of that. We can not provide perfect love or joy, but Jesus can. He is worthy to be Lord. In Him, your joy will be complete.

Jesus is better.

This devotion originally appeared on Devotable written by Josh Phillips

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