Living Out Christlike Love in Marriage
Marriage is one of the most powerful reflections of Christ’s love for His people. In Ephesians 5:25, Paul writes,
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse isn’t just for husbands; it’s a call to both spouses to model their love after Jesus: selfless, sacrificial, patient, and enduring.
But what does that actually look like in day-to-day life? How can we love our spouse like Jesus—practically and intentionally?
Here are five Christ-centered ways to love your spouse like Jesus, along with a small challenge and example for how to live it out:
1. Serve Without Expecting Anything in Return
Jesus said in Mark 10:45,
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
Start with the small things: make their coffee, take over a chore they dislike, or offer a back rub after a long day. Serving your spouse quietly and humbly cultivates deep trust and affection.
Challenge: Ask your spouse, “What’s one thing I could do this week to make your life easier?”
And now for the hard part—do it joyfully.
2. Extend Grace Like Jesus Does
Marriage is full of imperfections because we are two imperfect people becoming one. Jesus is quick to forgive and slow to anger:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:32)
When your spouse makes a mistake, lead with grace. Choose restoration over retaliation. Give the same compassion you hope to receive.
Challenge: Instead of pointing out a flaw or making a negative comment, pray for your spouse and encourage them with affirming words.
3. Practice Patient Listening
Jesus never rushed people. He listened with His whole heart—even when He already knew what they were going to say.
James 1:19 reminds us,
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
In a world of distractions, giving your spouse your full attention is a powerful act of love.
Challenge: When your spouse speaks, put down your phone, make eye contact, and truly listen without interrupting or jumping in to solve the problem.
4. Speak Words That Build Up
Jesus constantly spoke life into others. His words healed, encouraged, and brought peace.
Proverbs 18:21 says,
“The tongue has the power of life and death.”
In marriage, our words can either nourish or harm. Choose to speak blessings, truth, and encouragement—even when you’re frustrated.
Challenge: Write a note and place it somewhere your spouse will find it (around the house or in the car). Or send a text today affirming something specific you love about them.
5. Pursue Unity Through Prayer
Jesus constantly prayed for His people, and He longs for unity (John 17:21). In marriage, spiritual intimacy strengthens emotional and physical intimacy.
Praying together not only invites God into your relationship but also softens your hearts toward one another.
Challenge: Take five minutes at the end of each day to pray together. Thank God for the many blessings you have and ask Him for help in the hard or waiting seasons.
Loving your spouse like Jesus isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, faithful, and surrendered. It’s in the daily decisions to choose humility over pride, grace over anger, and connection over convenience.
When we invite Jesus to be the center of our marriage, we’ll love more deeply than we ever could on our own.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
— 1 Peter 4:8
A 7-Day Devotional for Couples
Here is a 7-day devotional that you can do alone—or even better, with your spouse—to create meaningful, quality time in God’s Word together.
Day 1: Love That Serves
Scripture: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” — Mark 10:45
Reflection: What is one act of service you can offer today just to show love? Whether it’s making their favorite drink or folding the laundry, do it without expecting anything in return.
Prayer: Jesus, help me love my spouse through humble acts of service, just like You serve me daily.
Day 2: Grace in the Small Things
Scripture: “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other…” — Ephesians 4:32
Reflection: Everyone makes mistakes. Extend grace quickly and choose restoration over irritation.
Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive quickly and fully. Remind me of the grace You’ve shown me, so I can share it freely.
Day 3: Listen Like Jesus
Scripture: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” — James 1:19
Reflection: Today, focus on listening with your heart. No interruptions. No assumptions.
Prayer: God, give me ears to hear and a heart to understand my spouse deeply.
Day 4: Speak Life
Scripture: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul…” — Proverbs 16:24
Reflection: Your words have the power to uplift or tear down. Choose to speak life.
Prayer: Jesus, may the words I speak to my spouse be filled with encouragement, hope, and truth.
Day 5: Choose Unity
Scripture: “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” — Mark 3:25
Reflection: Unity doesn’t mean you’ll always agree, but it does mean fighting for peace.
Prayer: God, help us walk in unity. Let our marriage be a reflection of Your love and harmony.
Day 6: Pray Together
Scripture: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20
Reflection: Invite God into your marriage by praying together, even if it’s short and simple.
Prayer Prompt: Take time to pray with your spouse today. Thank God for them. Ask Him to strengthen your relationship.
Day 7: Love Deeply
Scripture: “Above all, love each other deeply…” — 1 Peter 4:8
Reflection: Christlike love is deep, forgiving, and enduring. End the week by reflecting on how Jesus loves you—and how you can mirror that in your marriage.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of my spouse. Teach me to love more like You each day.
Join Us at Landing Place Church
We’d love to walk alongside you as you grow your marriage and your faith.
Sunday Services:
8:30 AM · 10:00 AM · 11:30 AM
(Live online at 10:00 AM)
We also offer many small groups that meet weekly or monthly as couples, giving you the opportunity to build close community and grow in love and spiritual connection together.