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Love Your Wife – Dr. Pete Charpentier

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Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25, NIV

“What if Jesus loved the Church like I love my wife?”

The Lord brought this question to my mind several years ago, and He has used it many times in eighteen years of marriage to challenge me to love my wife as He loves the Church.  But it’s also encouraging to realize that all the ways Christ loves me is the perfect example of how I’m called to love my wife.

Paul shares volumes of truth about how husbands can sacrificially love their wives.  Jesus said there’s no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his friends.  And this is precisely what Paul says Jesus did for us.  He gave Himself for the Church.

This simple principle of self-sacrificing love has impacted me countless times in my marriage relationship.  I’ve learned my wife spells “love” with the letters “T.I.M.E.”  She appreciates the things I do to take care of her, and she loves when I help around the house.  My wife feels my love the most when she sees me sacrifice for her.

Unfortunately, I’m very inconsistent when it comes to showing love to my wife in these ways, but Jesus is perfectly consistent in showing His love to me.   Christ is available anytime—day or night.  He constantly takes care of me and provides my needs, His grace sustaining me in my weaknesses.

In light of Christ’s perfect love for His Church, how can husbands show sacrificial love to their wives?  They can spend time with them, care for their daily needs, and they can serve in order to help them become all Jesus desires for them to be. 

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ  loved the church . . .

Dr. Pete Charpentier (DMin) is married and has two sons. He has been in ministry for twenty-two years, serving in vocational evangelism and various pastoral roles. He has earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of Biblical studies from Criswell College, and his doctoral degree in Pastoral Work from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a senior pastor, and also develops resources to help others live according to the truth of God’s Word as faithful and fruitful disciples in God’s Kingdom. Read Pete’s devotions.

He’s All I Need – Pete Charpentier

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The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. Psalm 23:1  NIV


I heard the story of a little boy who couldn’t sit still for anything, so his Sunday school teacher had an idea. She announced to the kids in her class that everyone who memorized Psalm 23 and recited it for the church would win a prize.

This little guy heard the news and took the challenge. He worked day after day to memorize the scripture, and when the Sunday arrived to quote the verses, he beamed with confidence.

As he stood on the stage, his mind went blank. He couldn’t remember anything. After a couple of moments, he blurted out: “The Lord is my shepherd, and that’s all I need to know!”

I’m sure scholars and preachers have said a lot about Psalm 23:1, but I doubt few have captured the essence of this verse better than this child.

David tells us the Lord is everything we need. In fact, God told Moses His name is “I AM.” While people reflect on the meaning of the Lord’s name, one truth is certain: He is the great I AM who is all we need. If we need strength, God is our strength. If we need direction, Jesus is the way. If we need peace, the Lord is the Prince of Peace.

As a husband, father of two, and a senior pastor, I face trials too. I walk with others through deep valleys and the truth that God is all I need has comforted and challenged me. I know, regardless of what lurks around life’s next corner, Jesus has already overcome the world with all of its troubles.

We can put this truth into practice when we make prayer our first response instead of our last-ditch-effort when difficulties arise. Paul tells us, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Whenever you’re confronted with obstacles, choose to pray and worship rather than stray and worry. I agree with the little fellow who said, “The Lord is my shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.” Ask God to empower you to trust Him with all your problems. That’s all you need to know.

Dr. Pete Charpentier (DMin) is married and has two sons. He has been in ministry for twenty-two years, serving in vocational evangelism and various pastoral roles. He has earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of Biblical studies from Criswell College, and his doctoral degree in Pastoral Work from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a senior pastor, and also develops resources to help others live according to the truth of God’s Word as faithful and fruitful disciples in God’s Kingdom. Read Pete’s devotions.