The term "Christ follower" has many important implications. One of these implications is very obvious: The term “Christ follower” reveals that those who call themselves Christ followers indeed follow Christ. That means that they live like Him and follow His example that He set. One of the most important examples that He set was the way He loved the people around Him. This is particularly true for husbands and wives. Those who claim to follow Christ are called to love their spouses in the same way that Christ loved the church.
Ephesians 5 issues the call for husbands to love their wives. The apostle Paul wrote in this chapter of Ephesians, “In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually loves himself” (verse 28). Paul’s words found in this verse remind husbands to love their wives the same way they love themselves. Although this is a call specifically issued to husbands, all Christ followers are called to love each other with a Christ-like love in Scripture, so this is a command that we all are called to follow. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty good at treating myself with love. I am always looking out for my preferences. You probably are, too. It is only natural for us to look out for ourselves and want what is best for us. While this is natural, Scripture teaches us to fight against this natural tendency by loving others, particularly our spouses, in the same way that we love ourselves.
Loving people the same way that we love ourselves has a profound impact. Because of this, Jesus stated in Mark chapter 12 that the second greatest command is “Love your neighbor as yourself” (verse 31). You see, when this happens, we start thinking of others before ourselves. We start thinking about others’ wants and needs instead of our own. We start asking questions and paying attention to others rather than just ourselves. Loving others in this way ultimately provides a picture of Christ’s love for the church. Christ loved us so much that He put aside His feelings and comforts so that we might be made right with Him. Therefore, let's be people who love those around us with the same love that we have for ourselves.
Make every effort to follow Scripture’s command to love the people around you like you love yourself. If you are married, specifically focus on how you can love your spouse in this manner. As you commit to loving the people around you well, you will also demonstrate Christ’s love for them through your actions.
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”
34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
