Christ’s Love for the Church
Last week I had the privilege of preforming the marriage ceremony for Lisa and Brent. The bride is my niece, and of course the groom is her very close friend. Most of the attention is on the bride at the wedding, and this is right and good. However, as the pastor performing the wedding ceremony, I get a unique view standing 
next to the groom as he awaits his bride. I can tell you that there is some nervousness on his part, but a much greater desire and anticipation to see his intended in all her splendor. Brent was no exception. I didn’t have to tell him twice when it was time, “Go get your bride.”
All of this reminds me of Christ`s great love for His bride – the church. Ephesians 5:25 says “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it“. Through the gospels we come to understand that Jesus is the Bridegroom who is espoused to the church. The day is coming, and it could be very soon, when God the Father will say to His Son, “Go get your bride”. There will be no hesitation on Jesus’ part. It thrills me to know that Christ is coming again for us!
The fact is that His desire and love for us is greater than anything we could know in an earthly relationship. The New Testament reveals several important characteristics of Jesus’ love for the believer.
A PRIORITY LOVE
Before we had any inkling of His plan of salvation, Jesus loved us with an everlasting love. 2000 years ago as He hung on the cross I was on His mind. The Bible says in I John 4:19 “We love him, because he first loved us.“ I’m so glad His priority was loving me, not being loved by me.
A PROVEN LOVE
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Commend means to prove. Before we could reciprocate His love, He was willing to die for us, thus demonstrating the depth and level of commitment in His love for us.
A PREEMINENT LOVE
According to this next verse Christ’s love is excellent and surpassing. There is no love like the Lord’s! Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
It did me good to witness the young love of Brent & Lisa (BTW you guys make a great couple and I thank God for you both), and it does me good every time I consider the love of Jesus for His church. If you are not saved please visit the following link to learn more of how you can experience the Love of God and the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ. How to Get to Heaven.
