Love Dare

I am very slowly doing the Love Dare from the movie Fireproof with a group of friends. I can't recommend this book enough. Each day that I read it I gain more knowledge in how to be a better wife. Day 10 really struck me and I wanted to share part of it with you. I hope you are encouraged:

If someone were to ask you, "Why do you life your wife?" or "Why do you love your husband?" --what would you say?

Most men would mention their wife's beauty, her sense of humor, her kindness, her inner strength. They might talk about her cooking, her knack for decorating, or what a good mother she is.

Women would probably say something about their husband's good looks or his personality. They'd commend him for his steadiness and consistent character. They'd say they love him because he's always there for them. He's generous. He's helpful.

But what if over the course of years, your wife or husband stopped being every one of those things. Would you still love them? Based on your answers above, the only logical response would be "no". If your reasons for loving your spouse all have something to do with his or her qualities--and then those same qualities suddenly or gradually disappear--your basis for love is over.

The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this : love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love.

.........But you will struggle and fail to attain this kind of marriage unless you allow God to begin growing His love within you. Love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7) does not come from within. It can only come from God.

If you are wondering what the "Dare" part of that days devotional is it is to do something out of the ordinary for your spouse--something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage. Since none of their suggestions (besides washing the car) is out of the ordinary for me I'm open to suggestions from any creative minds out there!!