Biblical MarriageSample

Sacrificial Love

There was a season in my life where I traveled constantly for work—over 300,000 miles in just seven months. That kind of schedule didn’t leave much time at home, which meant I had to be intentional in showing my wife how much I loved and valued her. She carried the weight of my absence, and I knew she deserved more than just words of thanks.

So when I was home—even if it was only for a day or two—my focus was on her. If we had a date night planned, nothing could interrupt it. I’d take a redeye flight or skip an extra event just to make sure I was present. At the same time, she found small but powerful ways to show me love. She’d tuck notes in my suitcase before a trip. When I came home late at night, she’d set out fresh clothes and a towel in my office bathroom so I could quietly shower and slip into bed without waking her.

These small choices—on both sides—created connection in the middle of chaos. They reminded me that love isn’t just about feelings; it’s about sacrifice.

Life brings plenty of seasons that test our marriage: co-parenting challenges, running businesses, personal struggles. And in those moments, I have to ask myself: Am I loving my wife like Christ loves the church? Or am I only giving her the leftovers after stress and exhaustion have drained me?

Sacrificial love isn’t about one big, heroic act. It’s about laying yourself down daily—in the small, often unseen choices. Sometimes it means listening when you’d rather sleep. Sometimes it means carrying the heavier load so your spouse can rest. Sometimes it means humbling yourself to apologize first.

Christ’s love for us was costly. If we want to reflect that love in marriage, we have to be willing to give in ways that cost us—our comfort, our ego, and our convenience. That’s the essence of sacrificial love.

Biblical meaning of sacrificial love

● Selfless and Unconditional: Sacrificial love, or "agape" love in the New Testament, is a selfless and unconditional form of love that prioritizes the well-being of others.

● Willingness to Sacrifice: This involves a willingness to sacrifice personal desires, comforts, and even one's life for the benefit of others.

● Reflects God's Love: This type of love is central to Christian theology and ethics, reflecting the nature of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. God's love for humanity is a powerful example of sacrificial love, as shown through the gift of His Son, Jesus, and His atoning sacrifice on the cross.

Examples of failing at sacrificial love

● Prioritizing Selfish Desires: Failing at sacrificial love often manifests as prioritizing one's own desires and needs over the needs of others.

● Fear of Rejection or Lack of Reciprocity: Holding back love due to fear of rejection, expecting reciprocation, or becoming consumed with thoughts of "what about me?" can hinder sacrificial love.

● Resentment and Unforgiveness: Holding onto resentment or being unwilling to forgive when wronged directly conflicts with the principles of sacrificial love.

● Inauthentic Giving: Giving to others primarily to make oneself feel good or to gain something in return, rather than out of genuine love and concern for their well-being, demonstrates a failure in sacrificial love.

● Neglecting Needs: Failing to recognize and actively address the needs of those around us, even in small, everyday actions like listening or offering help, indicates a deficiency in sacrificial love.

Reflection:

Husbands are called to love as Christ loved the church—selflessly and sacrificially. This love models Christ’s devotion and sets the tone for mutual respect.

Application:

What act of selfless love can you show your spouse today?