3 Oct: Intruders Removed
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25
Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 5:25–33
It was still dark when I noticed my husband slip out of bed and head to the kitchen. I watched as the light flicked on and off, wondering what he was doing. Then I remembered the morning before, when I’d let out a startled cry at the sight of an unwelcome visitor—one of those six-legged intruders no one wants in their home. Without hesitation, my husband had come to my rescue. And now, before the sun had even risen, he was up again—making sure the kitchen was clear so that I could walk in without fear. What a gift of love.
His quiet action spoke volumes. He woke with me on his mind, choosing my peace of mind over his comfort. In that moment, I caught a glimpse of the love Paul describes in Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Christ’s love is always marked by self-giving, always putting our needs above His own. And Paul reminds us that this is the model for how we love one another.
But this principle isn’t just for marriage. Each of us, following the example of Jesus, is invited to lay something down for the sake of another. Maybe it means helping remove an “intruder” of fear, shame, or anxiety from someone’s path so they can move more freely into the life God has for them. Love always notices, always steps in, and always sacrifices—because that’s what Christ did for us.
By: Tirzah Ellis
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Reflect & Pray
What “intruder” might God be asking you to address to help another? How might you allow someone to help rid your life of certain “intruders”?
Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your Son who’s removed the intruder of sin from my life and reconciled me to You!