Chris Spielman has made a living as a tough, hard-nosed linebacker in the National Football League. His intense play and love for the game are well-known by those who follow the sport. But when his wife was diagnosed with cancer before the 1998 season began, Spielman chose to miss an entire year of football to take care of her. He told reporters that his decision was based on his love for his family. He explained, "I told Stephanie that I want to be the one to take her to treatments. I want to be the one to hold her hand. I want to be the one to take care of my kids when she can't."

It's exciting to hear of men who take their family responsibility seriously. Scripture is clear in pointing out that husbands and dads have an obligation to love their families in a caring and compassionate way. The Bible states, "Husbands, love your wives just as Christ also loved the church" (Eph. 5:25). "Husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies" (v.28). "If anyone does not provide for . . . those of his household, he . . . is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Tim. 5:8). "Husbands, . . . dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife" (1 Pet. 3:7).

Let's give of ourselves for our families. When we do, we follow the example of Christ, who gave Himself for us.  — Dave Branon