Thursday, January 6, 2011

LOVE DARE #3

Day 3: Love is Not Selfish

"WHATEVER YOU PUT YOUR TIME, ENERGY, AND MONEY INTO WILL BECOME MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU. IT'S HARD TO CARE FOR SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT INVESTING IN. ALONG WITH RESTRAINING FROM NEGATIVE COMMENTS, BUY YOUR SPOUSE SOMETHING THAT SAYS, 'I WAS THINKING OF YOU TODAY.'"

With current struggling economic conditions, financial gifts may be a strain for you right now, however, does your spouse enjoy a favorite pack of gum? How about a favorite candy bar or granola bar, an inexpensive book, one beautiful flower, favorite magazine, fuzzy socks for a cold winter's night (especially if there's no fire burning right now!)? Or diamonds - if you must. Go the extra mile - fix a favorite meal, rolls from scratch (give me your address), cool basketball, new tackle box or a new sewing box. The list is endless.

It's giving from your heart that matters, but giving when it's truly sacrificial. Giving when you've identified what's important to your spouse - because you know your spouse. (Keep in mind, if you give generously for bragging rights later or for a reward in return - it's - yes, considered selfish.)

VERSE FOR TODAY'S DARE: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

THOUGHT FOR TODAY'S DARE: Deliberately and specifically sacrifice your wants for your spouse's wants - for the greater purpose of your marriage.

Dale and I are also "thinking of you today." We're praying for your marriages and asking you to pray for one another as well. Let the "Marriage Revolution" begin!

Blessings,
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.)