The Bride of Christ: Preparing Our Hearts for His Return

Imagine a bride on the eve of her wedding. Her heart is filled with anticipation, her every thought focused on the moment she will meet her groom at the altar. This is the picture Scripture gives us of the Church—the Bride of Christ—waiting for the return of her King.

But how often do we live with that kind of expectancy? How often do we truly prepare ourselves for the day when we will see Him face-to-face?

Called to Be Holy and Blameless

The Bride of Christ is not a passive observer but an active participant in preparing for the wedding feast. Paul writes:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27, NIV).

This call to be holy and blameless is not about perfection; it’s about transformation. Christ gave Himself for us so that we could be cleansed, renewed, and ready for His return. The question is: Are we living in a way that reflects this reality?

A Bride Without Spot or Wrinkle

The process of preparation requires refining. Just as a bride takes time to choose her gown, adorn herself, and ensure every detail is perfect, we are called to allow God to refine us.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear” (Revelation 19:7-8, NIV).

The fine linen we are called to wear represents the righteous acts of God’s people. These acts are not about earning salvation—they are the fruit of a heart devoted to the Bridegroom.

Living in Expectancy

It’s easy to lose sight of eternity when we are consumed by the demands of today. But Jesus warns us to stay awake and ready:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13, NIV).

Living as the Bride of Christ means living with expectancy. It means aligning our priorities with His Kingdom, keeping our lamps full of oil, and allowing the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts burning for Him.

The Bridegroom Is Coming

One day, the skies will split, and Jesus will return for His Bride. It will be a day of unimaginable joy, as we hear Him say, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:9, NIV).

Until that day, we must stay faithful. We must keep our gaze fixed on Him, knowing that every trial, every act of obedience, and every moment of surrender is preparing us for the glory that is to come.

A Prayer for the Bride of Christ

Lord Jesus,You are the Bridegroom, and we are Your Bride. Forgive us for the times we have allowed the cares of this world to dull our anticipation of Your return. Refine us, cleanse us, and make us holy and blameless before You. Keep our hearts burning with love for You and teach us to live with expectancy. May our lives reflect the joy and honor of being called Your Bride. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We long to see You face-to-face. In Your name, we pray. Amen.