Genesis 29: Husbands, Love Your Wife

Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

What does the Bible say regarding the love a husband should have for their wife?  In Genesis 29:20, we read that Jacob worked a hard labor job for seven years without pay to earn Rachel's hand in marriage.  And because of the love Jacob had for Rachel, those seven years seemed like but a few days. In other words, his love for the woman who would be his wife was so great that seven years of unpaid labor seemed like a very small sacrifice. What a testimony!

There ought to be real love in the marital relationship and it starts with husbands. We find three occasions in the Bible where husbands are commanded to love their wives:

Husbands should love their wives sacrificially: Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it...  Husbands should be willing to make sacrifices for the one they say they love.

Husbands should love their wives and care for her as they care for their own selves: Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Husbands, we don’t ignore ourselves, hurt ourselves or give ourselves the silent treatment. Don’t do that to your wife.

Husbands should not have wrong attitudes toward their wife: Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.  A husband that loves his wife will not be angry, bitter and resentful towards her.

Husbands, Jacob loved his wife and proved it.  Now it's your turn.