– Today’s Community Scripture – 9/11/2025
Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands. Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor—since they’re already “one” in marriage. No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That’s how Christ treats us, the church, since we are part of his body. And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become “one flesh.” This is a huge mystery, and I don’t pretend to understand it all. What is clearest to me is the way Christ treats the church. And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband. Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.” Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free. Masters, it’s the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them.
Ephesians 5:21–6:9 (MSG)
– Reflection:
One of the passages should remind us that love, real love, is about giving, not getting. Husbands are called to love their wives the same way Christ loves the church: fully, sacrificially, and with purpose. That kind of love builds up, speaks life, and brings out the best in the other person. But this message isn’t just for married folks—it’s for all of us. Whether you’re a husband, wife, friend, or young person learning how to treat others, this shows us how powerful love can be when it’s selfless and kind. When we love like Christ, we help others shine, and in doing so, we grow too. That’s the kind of love that changes homes, friendships, and even communities. I know I stated earlier that I would place too much of the Word in these Posts, but for this one, I just had to; it shows what true love is and how it should be placed on each other in our communities and the world. Even though I write the reflection of what I think is meant by the Chapter that I read that morning, I feel that you should have the text yourself to see if you feel led the same as I was or differently. Enjoy this one today.
– Where do we go from here?
We take that same kind of love that Christ showed the Church and apply it to all of our relationships. Whether you’re married, dating, or just learning how to treat people right, Ephesians teaches us that love should be selfless, patient, and full of purpose. For our youth, this means learning early how to respect others, speak life, and build people up, not tear them down. For adults, it’s a reminder to lead with love, not ego. We grow stronger when we treat others like they matter. That’s how we build genuine relationships —one that lasts and reflects God’s heart.
1. What does it mean to love someone by giving, not getting? Can you think of a time when you showed love without expecting anything back?
2. How can we bring out the best in others like Christ does for the church? What are some ways we can speak life into our friends, family, or even classmates?
3. Why is it important to love with purpose, not just feelings? How does love look different when it’s based on action instead of emotion?
4. What does “being one” in marriage or friendship mean to you? How can we work together better in our relationships?
5. How can young people start practicing this kind of love now? What are some small things you can do at school, home, or church to show love like Jesus?
6. Why do you think God wants us to love this way? What do you think happens to a community when people love each other like this?
Now that we understand how Christ loves the church with full commitment, sacrifice, and purpose, we must ask ourselves: How do we live that out every day? For young people, this means learning early that love isn’t just about feelings or popularity; it’s about how you treat people, respect, kindness, and honesty matter. For adults, it’s about checking our hearts and making sure we’re loving with intention, not just going through the motions. Whether it’s in marriage, friendships, or family, we’re called to love in a way that lifts others up and brings out their best. That kind of love takes work, but it also brings peace, unity, and strength. So where do we go from here? We start by loving better one conversation, one choice, one relationship at a time. And we keep growing, because love like Christ’s is a journey, not a one-time thing.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, help us love like You today. Teach us to be kind, to give more than we take, and to treat others with respect. Show us how to build strong relationships that bring out the best in people. Thank You for loving us first. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands. Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor—since they’re already “one” in marriage. No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That’s how Christ treats us, the church, since we are part of his body. And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become “one flesh.” This is a huge mystery, and I don’t pretend to understand it all. What is clearest to me is the way Christ treats the church. And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband. Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.” Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master. Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free. Masters, it’s the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them.
Ephesians 5:21–6:9 (MSG)
– Reflection:
One of the passages should remind us that love, real love, is about giving, not getting. Husbands are called to love their wives the same way Christ loves the church: fully, sacrificially, and with purpose. That kind of love builds up, speaks life, and brings out the best in the other person. But this message isn’t just for married folks—it’s for all of us. Whether you’re a husband, wife, friend, or young person learning how to treat others, this shows us how powerful love can be when it’s selfless and kind. When we love like Christ, we help others shine, and in doing so, we grow too. That’s the kind of love that changes homes, friendships, and even communities. I know I stated earlier that I would place too much of the Word in these Posts, but for this one, I just had to; it shows what true love is and how it should be placed on each other in our communities and the world. Even though I write the reflection of what I think is meant by the Chapter that I read that morning, I feel that you should have the text yourself to see if you feel led the same as I was or differently. Enjoy this one today.
– Where do we go from here?
We take that same kind of love that Christ showed the Church and apply it to all of our relationships. Whether you’re married, dating, or just learning how to treat people right, Ephesians teaches us that love should be selfless, patient, and full of purpose. For our youth, this means learning early how to respect others, speak life, and build people up, not tear them down. For adults, it’s a reminder to lead with love, not ego. We grow stronger when we treat others like they matter. That’s how we build genuine relationships —one that lasts and reflects God’s heart.
1. What does it mean to love someone by giving, not getting? Can you think of a time when you showed love without expecting anything back?
2. How can we bring out the best in others like Christ does for the church? What are some ways we can speak life into our friends, family, or even classmates?
3. Why is it important to love with purpose, not just feelings? How does love look different when it’s based on action instead of emotion?
4. What does “being one” in marriage or friendship mean to you? How can we work together better in our relationships?
5. How can young people start practicing this kind of love now? What are some small things you can do at school, home, or church to show love like Jesus?
6. Why do you think God wants us to love this way? What do you think happens to a community when people love each other like this?
Now that we understand how Christ loves the church with full commitment, sacrifice, and purpose, we must ask ourselves: How do we live that out every day? For young people, this means learning early that love isn’t just about feelings or popularity; it’s about how you treat people, respect, kindness, and honesty matter. For adults, it’s about checking our hearts and making sure we’re loving with intention, not just going through the motions. Whether it’s in marriage, friendships, or family, we’re called to love in a way that lifts others up and brings out their best. That kind of love takes work, but it also brings peace, unity, and strength. So where do we go from here? We start by loving better one conversation, one choice, one relationship at a time. And we keep growing, because love like Christ’s is a journey, not a one-time thing.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, help us love like You today. Teach us to be kind, to give more than we take, and to treat others with respect. Show us how to build strong relationships that bring out the best in people. Thank You for loving us first. In Jesus’ name, Amen.