[The union of husband and wife] is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Ephesians 5:32

Recommended Reading

Ephesians 5:22-23

Counselors sometimes suggest that a sure way to avoid disappointment is to avoid expectations. Married couples are sometimes told if they expect nothing from a spouse, they will not be disappointed if they receive nothing.

Often, we confuse expectations with rights, especially in marriage—“It is my right to be loved and understood by my spouse.” Demanding rights can be problematic. But are expectations in marriage wrong? When we follow Paul’s lead, comparing marriage to Christ and His Church, it would seem not (Ephesians 5:22-33). Do we as the Bride of Christ have expectations of Christ? Yes, and He is always faithful. Does Christ have expectations of us, His Bride—expectations of love, loyalty, obedience, service, and more? Yes. And while we sometimes disappoint Him, expectations remain.

Spouses can have expectations of one another to parallel those of Christ and His Church with this addition: being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another as Christ is toward us (Ephesians 4:32).

A Single Thought: Married or single, we should expect kindness and consideration from one another as the Bride of Christ.

Read-Thru-the-Bible

1 Chronicles 24 – 26

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