A Dying Man’s Charge: Day 3
Day 3: Love the Bride
Devotional
Imagine someone claiming to love you deeply while constantly criticizing and avoiding your spouse. How would that make you feel? You'd probably question whether they really understood what love means, because true love for you would naturally extend to the person you chose to marry. This illustration helps us understand a troubling contradiction in modern Christianity. Many people claim to love Jesus while showing little love for His church. They'll say things like, "I love God, but I don't need the church," or "I'm spiritual, but organized religion isn't for me." But this creates a serious problem. Jesus didn't just die for individuals—He died to create a bride for Himself. The church is described throughout Scripture as the bride of Christ, the one He loves and gave His life for. When we claim to love Jesus but show indifference or hostility toward His church, we're essentially saying we love the groom while despising His bride. This doesn't mean the church is perfect or that every church decision is right. Just like any marriage involves two imperfect people learning to love each other, the church is filled with imperfect people learning to follow Jesus together. But love doesn't abandon ship when things get difficult—it stays committed and works for growth and healing. Loving Jesus means loving what He loves. It means caring about His people, even when they're difficult. It means being patient with the church's imperfections while working to help it become more like Christ. It means showing up, serving, and staying committed even when it's inconvenient. If you say you love Jesus but find yourself constantly critical of or disconnected from His church, it might be time to examine whether you truly understand either Jesus or His church. True love for Christ will always include love for His bride.
Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people;
once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. - 1 Peter 2:10
Reflection Question
In what specific ways can you demonstrate love for Christ's bride (the church) this week, even if you've been hurt or disappointed by church experiences in the past?
“How can you claim to love the groom while despising his bride? How can you claim to love the shepherd while treating his flock like it doesn't matter?” - Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive me for times when I've claimed to love You while showing little love for Your bride, the church. Help me see the church as precious as You see it. Give me patience, commitment, and a heart that truly loves what You love. Amen.