“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25 sets the highest standard of love in the New Testament, and it is addressed directly to husbands.

Here is what the verse means, how to live it in everyday life, and a gift idea to celebrate it with your wife this Valentine’s Day.

What Ephesians 5:25 Asks of Husbands

In Ephesians 5, Paul describes Christian relationships. When he comes to husbands, he does not ask them to rule or to demand: he asks them to love, and to love the way Christ did.

The model is a love that gives itself up. It serves, protects, forgives and puts the good of the other first.

Five Practical Ways to Love Your Wife Like This

• Listen first. Put the phone down when she talks.
• Serve without being asked. Take one daily task off her shoulders.
• Speak life. Tell her what you admire in her, often.
• Pray for her. By name, for what she is going through this week.
• Choose her again. Plan time together as carefully as you plan your work.

A Verse for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a good moment to make Ephesians 5:25 concrete: one gesture, one written promise, one gift that reminds her every day that your love is not only words.

Keep the Verse Close: The Gift Set

Our Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, Love Your Wives” design shows a bride and groom sharing a tender moment, surrounded by roses and gold hearts. It comes in two editions (classic edition and Black Love edition) on a t-shirt, a white mug, a black mug and a throw pillow.

Looking for more ideas? Read our guide to Bible verses for Valentine’s Day, or browse the full Valentine’s Day collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to love your wife as Christ loved the church?
To love with a self-giving love: serving, protecting, forgiving and putting her good first.

Is Ephesians 5:25 only for husbands?
The verse is addressed to husbands, but the passage as a whole calls both spouses to love and honor each other.

Every product is printed on demand by CAMSHOPPING GROUP, so allow time for production and shipping and order early for February 14th.