1. Jesus cleanses his people (a love that forgives you)
“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” (Eph. 5:25-26). A believer who comes to Jesus and asks for forgiveness will never hear ‘No.’ Jesus said, “Whoever comes to me, I will never turn away.” When you say, “Please forgive me, Lord” you always get a ‘Yes’ from Christ, because he loves you. He will never turn a cold shoulder toward you, hold a grudge, or open old wounds. Christ loves us with a love that forgives.
2. Jesus sanctifies his people (a love that makes you flourish)
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her” (5:25-26). The love of Christ always causes a person to grow. Christ will make more of you than you will ever make of yourself. Give yourself to him and see what you become through him.
3. Jesus nourishes his people (a love that brings you strength)
“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church” (5:29). The love of Christ will build you up and give you strength to face the toughest circumstances of life. Paul says, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long” (Romans 8:36). That’s about as tough as you can get. But then he says, “In these things we are more than conquerors.” Why? Because nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
When and where have you experienced this kind of love from Jesus?
