Definition: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Ephesians 5:29. It’s a really important one about love and relationships! Here's what it means in simpler terms: “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:” Let’s unpack this sentence by sentence: “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh…” – This means that no one has ever truly hated someone they love or have a connection with. It's about genuine affection and respect. It's a really strong statement! “…but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:” – This is where it gets interesting. “Nourish” means to care for, to support, and “cherish” means to value and protect. So, this verse says that we should actively love and care for each other, just like God loves his Church (a community of believers). “The Lord the church” refers to all believers – everyone who follows Christ. So, putting it all together: This verse encourages us to treat others with kindness, respect, and affection, just as God treats his people. It's a call for genuine love, not just superficial feelings. What does this have to do with real life? It’s about: Forgiveness: It encourages us to forgive those who hurt us, even if it’s difficult. Compassion: It means being understanding and empathetic towards others' struggles. Unity: It speaks of unity as believers, strengthening our bonds with each other. In short, the verse is a powerful reminder that true love isn’t about hatred – it’s about nurturing and cherishing those around us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail?