**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today! We’re eager to hear about your thoughts on love and relationships. In your letter to the Ephesians, you emphasize a very powerful message about love. Can you share what you meant in Ephesians 5:25-26?
**Author (Paul):** Absolutely, I’d be glad to. In that passage, I express a profound directive to husbands: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” My intention was to illustrate the depth and sacrificial nature of true love.
**Interviewer:** That’s a strong analogy. So, when you say that husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church, what specifically does that look like in practice?
**Author (Paul):** It encompasses a love that is selfless and unconditional. Just as Christ devoted Himself entirely to the church, husbands are called to put their wives’ needs above their own, to nurture and cherish them. It’s about serving with a heart willing to sacrifice—whether that means sacrificing time, energy, or even personal desires.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! And then you go on to say, “To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” Can you elaborate on that part?
**Author (Paul):** Certainly! This speaks to the transformative power of love and communication. Just as water purifies, love should inspire growth and holiness. Husbands have a role in encouraging their wives in faith, fostering an environment where they can thrive and become their best selves—not just in the physical sense, but spiritually as well.
**Interviewer:** It seems to reflect a relationship built on mutual respect and support. What underlying message do you hope readers take away from this teaching?
**Author (Paul):** My hope is that both husbands and wives recognize their responsibilities toward each other. A marriage rooted in Christ-like love is foundational for a healthy partnership. It isn’t just about authority or roles; it’s about mutual submission, understanding, and nurturing one another, which ultimately reflects the love of Christ Himself.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights! It’s clear that your words hold deep meaning for relationships today.
**Author (Paul):** My pleasure! It’s my hope that these teachings continue to inspire love and unity in marriages for generations to come.