Thursday, January 13, 2011

LOVE DARE #10

Day #10 – Love is Unconditional

DO SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY TODAY 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.

I love him because… he’s tall, dark, and handsome; he provides for our family, athletic, considerate, and plays with the kids. Or - I love her because… she’s so pretty, a great cook, energetic, life of the party, and a creative mom.

But, what happens when all this changes –kids gone, he/she’s not so athletic and energetic, and well - the inevitable wrinkles thing. If we love our spouse for the above mentioned qualities, then when these qualities diminish, so does the marriage. Unconditional love consists of loving regardless, loving in spite of, loving no matter what. Bald? You love him. Larger than life thighs? You love her. No teeth? Okay, go to the dentist.

In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or for worse. This defines God’s love for us – does it define your love for your spouse?

VERSE FOR TODAY’S DARE: “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
THOUGHT FOR TODAY’S DARE: True love is a commitment, not based on feelings or circumstances. Therefore, the “I love him/her because…” becomes - “I love him/her, period.”

Commit to a "true love" day today,
Dale and Susan

(Want to take it a step further? Purchase the “Love Dare” book by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick for additional information and to record your results.)