Being a growing Christian means growing more and more like Christ. In fact, the word “Christian” simply means, “Christ-like” or even “little Christ.” Interestingly, Acts 11:26 says, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” It was a name of derision given by the world but those early believers wore it with godly pride.

If we want to grow in Christ-likeness, if we want to be more like Jesus, we have to learn to love what Jesus loves. If the New Testament teaches us anything, it teaches us that JESUS LOVES THE CHURCH.

Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.” The emphasis here is not on the husband’s love for his wife but on Christ’s love for the church.

Our love for our wives is modeled on Christ’s love for the church. Christ loved the church so much He “gave Himself for it.” He gave everything, even life itself for His bride, the church.

I Peter 1:18-19 reminds us, “you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

I’m so thankful that Christ died for me, you and His Church! Let’s be faithful to Him.