“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”

That’s Colossians 3:19. It’s a short verse but has massive implications.

Apostle Paul isn’t giving marriage tips. He’s showing what resurrection life looks like in your home. In v3:1, he said that if you’re a Christian, you’ve been raised with Christ. In vv3:9-10, he said you’ve put off the old self and put on the new. Now, here in v3:19, he’s saying to go prove these realities where it matters most: with your wife.

“Love your wives” echoes Christ’s sacrificial love. Not the conditional, performance-based love our culture peddles. Not the emotional roller coaster that follows feelings. This is covenant love—steady, sacrificing, serving. The kind of love Jesus shows His bride, the Church.

And “do not be harsh with them.” Cutting words. Cold silences. Critical spirits. Selfish demands. These shouldn’t come from a man who’s been transformed by grace. Jesus didn’t treat you harshly, even when you were at your worst. He pursued you, forgave you, and cleansed you. And so you should do with your wife.

You see, your marriage is a living picture of the gospel. When you love your wife sacrificially and treat her gently, you’re preaching Christ without words. When you’re harsh or bitter, you’re distorting the gospel story.

Beloved, Christ’s life changed everything about how you treat people, especially the woman you vowed to cherish.

Change begins in you!