Day 21: Love is satisfied in God
The Lord will
continually guide you, and satisfy your desire.
—Isaiah 58:11
TODAY’S DARE
Be intentional today about making a time to pray and
read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one—a
full month’s supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love andpromises God has for you.
This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.
Day 22: Love is faithful
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you
will know the Lord.
—Hosea 2:20
TODAY’S DARE
Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated
action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if
your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in
words similar to these, “I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don’t
love me in return.”
Day 23: Love always protects
[Love] always
protects.
—1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV
TODAY’S DARE
Remove anything that is hindering your relationship,
any addiction or influence that’s stealing your affections and turning your
heart away from your spouse.
Day 24: Love vs. Lust
The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but
the one who does the will of God lives forever.
—1 John 2:17
TODAY’S DARE
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your
life and remove it. Single out every lie you’ve swallowed in pursuing forbidden
pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back
bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed—today—and
replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect
love.
Day 25: Love forgives
What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I
did it for your sakes in the presence ofChrist.
—2 Corinthians 2:10
TODAY’S DARE
Whatever you haven’t forgiven in your mate, forgive
it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to “forgive us our debts” each day,
we must ask Him to help us “forgive our debtors” each day as well. Unforgiveness
has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart,
“I choose to forgive.”
Day 26: Love is responsible
When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since
you, the judge, do the same things.
—Romans 2:1 HCSB
TODAY’S DARE
Take time to pray through your areas of wrongdoing.
Ask for God’s forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse.
Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No
matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even
if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
Day 27: Love encourages
Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be
ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
—Psalm 25:20
TODAY’S DARE
Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in
your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you’re expecting
too much, and tell them you’re sorry for being so hard on them about it.
Promise them you’ll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional
love.
Day 28: Love makes sacrifices
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay
down our lives for our brothers.
—1 John 3:16 HCSB
TODAY’S DARE
What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse’s life
right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a
daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose
to do what you can to meet the need.
Day 29: Love’s motivation
Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord
and not to men.
—Ephesians 6:7 HCSB
TODAY’S DARE
Before you see your spouse again today, pray for
them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say “I
love you,” then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again,
thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person unconditionally,
the way He loves both of you.
Day 30: Love brings unity
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You
have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.
—John 17:11
TODAY’S DARE
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and
look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal
anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with
your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for
them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
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