Ephesians 5:28: Love Their Wives as Their Own Bodies

Ephesians 5:28
[28] In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (ESV)

In our society today we are obsessed with elevating ourselves above all others.  If you spend any time on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) you will find all kinds of posts that talk about only spending time with those who build you up and make you realize how great you are.  If people don't bow to your greatness you are free to cut them out of your life.

So, I want to take a different angle on this.  Let's go with you looking at all of the things that would build you up.  Let's consider doing those things that you know will be a great blessing for you.  Let's devote a considerable amount of time focusing on you!  Now, here's the twist, Take all of that energy that focuses on yourself and instead focus all of that on your wife!  That is how it is supposed to work. You are to love your wife as yourself.  How would you love yourself?  Love your wife like that!

Society tells us to elevate ourselves.  Scripture tells us to sacrifice ourselves.  The way to have a loving, fulfilling relationship is through humility, not through selfishness.  It is no small wonder that the world's way of doing marriage leads to unhappiness and divorce. Consider how these words to the church at Philippi speak to how men ought to treat their wives:

Philippians 2:3–4
[3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)

The way up is down.  The way to the things that will bring blessing is a way of humility.  Sacrifice brings success.  Men, love your wife like you would love your very self.