Feed What You Love
August 20, 2026
"In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church."
Ephesians 5:28-29 (NIV)
You feed your body the moment it's hungry. You rest it the moment it's tired. And you warm it the moment it's cold, without thinking twice about it.
Paul points to that instinct and asks every husband a pointed question in verse 28: "In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." Too many people spend their health chasing wealth, then spend their wealth trying to buy their health back. Paul is asking you to stop making that same trade with your marriage.
"After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church." (v. 29) That word cherish literally means to warm with body heat. It describes a bird warming her nest, sheltering and protecting those in her care.
Even the word husband carries this in its bones. It comes from “house” “band”, a band that stretches around a wife to protect her, provide for her, and purify her. It’s like armor built to surround someone else.
Maybe your bride looks worn out before dinner is even on the table. Don't tell her to go rest from across the room. Start the dishes or go get a bath ready for her before she has to ask.
Love her the way you already love your own body. Let your name become the proof that you bind your house together in strength and love.
Prayer: Father, I take care of my own body without even thinking about it. Teach me to notice my wife's exhaustion the same way. Help me act before she has to ask. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
For wives or the unmarried: Heavenly Father, thank You for attending to my needs before I even ask. Long before a word is on my tongue, Lord, You know it. Thank You for caring for me, listening to me, and being the Spouse who is faithful and loving, every day. Teach me to care for others with the care You give to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.