Day 31: Love and marriage
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be
joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
—Genesis 2:24
TODAY’S DARE
Is there a “leaving” issue you haven’t been brave
enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it
right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it.
Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to
God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
Day 32: Love meets sexual needs
The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and
likewise also the wife to her husband.
—1 Corinthians 7:3
TODAY’S DARE
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your
husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told
you (or implied to you) about whatthey need from you sexually. Ask God to make
this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.
Day 33: Love completes each other
If two lie
down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?
—Ecclesiastes 4:11
TODAY’S DARE
Recognize that your spouse is integral to your
future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your
upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you
have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to
forgive you.
Day 34: Love celebrates godliness
[Love] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but
rejoices with the truth.
—1 Corinthians 13:6
TODAY’S DARE
Find a specific, recent example when your spouse
demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for
this at some point today.
Day 35: Love is Accountable
Plans fail
for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
—Proverbs 15:22 NIV
TODAY’S DARE
Find a marriage mentor—someone who is a strong
Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that
counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment.
During this process, ask God to direct your
decisions and discernment.
Day 36: Love is God’s Word
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my
path.
—Psalm 119:105
TODAY’S DARE
Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional
book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open
to it, see if they will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting
each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.
Day 37: Love agrees in Prayer
If two of you
agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by
My Father.
—Matthew 18:19
TODAY’S DARE
Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together.
Talk about the best time to do this, whether it’s in the morning, your lunch
hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements,
and needs before the Lord. Don’t forget to thank Him for His provision and
blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily
time in prayer
yourself.
Day 38: Love fulfills Dreams
Delight yourself
in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
—Psalm 37:4
TODAY’S DARE
Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was
obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting
some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.
Day 39: Love endures
Love never fails.
—1 Corinthians 13:8
TODAY’S DARE
Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter
of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to
this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love themno matter what.
Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.
Day 40: Love is a covenant
Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will
lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
—Ruth 1:16
TODAY’S DARE
Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in
your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew
your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living
testament to the value of marriage in God’s eyes and the high honor of being one
with your mate.
