Christ-Centered Love: The Husband’s Role in Leading with Humility and Grace

In the article, “The Love of a Leading Man” by Brad Bigney, the focus is on what it means for husbands to love their wives with a Christ-like, sacrificial love. This biblical concept is drawn from Scripture and emphasizes a man’s leadership role in marriage, not as a dictator but as a loving, selfless leader who reflects the character of Christ. You can read the full article here.

Love as Leadership

One of the key points of the article is that biblical love goes hand in hand with leadership. Drawing from Ephesians 5:25, where Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church, the article explains that a husband’s love should be sacrificial and servant-hearted. This kind of love doesn’t demand obedience, but rather nurtures and supports the wife, leading by example in humility and care.

The leading man, according to Bigney, isn’t just an authoritarian figure but someone who takes responsibility for the well-being and spiritual growth of his household, putting his wife’s needs above his own.

Sacrificial Love Like Christ’s

At the core of the article is the principle of sacrificial love. Just as Christ gave His life for the church, husbands are called to lay down their lives for their wives—not necessarily in a physical sense, but in everyday sacrifices that demonstrate love and commitment. This means putting aside selfish ambitions, being patient and gentle, and ensuring that the wife feels valued and cherished.

Bigney emphasizes that this sacrificial love reflects a deep understanding of God’s grace. Husbands are called to embody this grace, leading with love and not with a heavy hand or a domineering spirit.

Humility and Service

A major theme in Bigney’s article is humility. True leadership in a marriage is not about asserting control but serving one’s wife, just as Jesus served others during His earthly ministry. Husbands are encouraged to model servant-leadership by being active in their marriage, taking the initiative in addressing family matters, and being emotionally available.

Bigney advises husbands to ask themselves how they can serve their wives each day and to make a conscious effort to listen, understand, and meet their wives’ needs in practical ways. This servant attitude reflects Christ’s love and builds a strong foundation in the marriage.

Growing Together Spiritually

The article also highlights the importance of spiritual leadership within the home. Husbands are called to take a proactive role in their wives’ spiritual growth. This includes praying together, studying Scripture, and fostering an environment where both husband and wife can grow in their relationship with God.

Bigney encourages husbands to be consistent in their pursuit of Christ, knowing that their example plays a pivotal role in their wives’ spiritual lives. A husband’s love should be intertwined with his commitment to God, which leads the couple into a deeper, more unified walk with Christ.

Conclusion

In “The Love of a Leading Man,” Brad Bigney calls husbands to a higher standard of love, modeled after Christ’s sacrificial and servant-hearted love for the church. This kind of love is not about control or dominance but about humility, service, and spiritual leadership. As husbands grow in their love for Christ, they can better love and lead their wives in a way that honors God.

For a more in-depth exploration, you can read the full article here.