‘Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.’ 1 John 4:7-8(NLT)
‘“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. ‘ John 15:9-14(NLT)
‘Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! ‘ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8(NLT)
Devotional Content:
We all have different needs and preferences when it comes to giving and receiving love. For example, Nancy feels loved when we spend quality time together. She feels valued and cared for in our moments together. In the early years of our marriage, it took me awhile to figure it out. I really did not understand what love languages were and how they affected a marriage.
I always wanted to show her how much I loved her but was mystified when she would respond in an unexpected way to the things that I did. She always appreciated the gifts I gave her and the help I offered with the housework. She would smile and say thank you when I affirmed her with words, but nothing made her feel loved like quality time together.
It has been important for me to carve out quality time for us to spend together each day. There are times when that is more difficult and things can get in the way. Often the things that get in the way are not bad things at all, but they just keep us from spending uninterrupted time together. I have to make sure that I give my wife what she wants and needs—my time. When I do, it serves as a building block of an awesome marriage..
Today’s Challenge: Take the time to share your love needs with each other and then discuss how to meet those needs.
Going Deeper:
1. When do you feel the most loved by your spouse?
2. What is your ‘Love Language’ as defined by Dr. Gary Chapman:
- Acts of Service
- Quality Time
- Words of Affirmation
- Physical Touch
- Gifts
3. What is your spouse’s love language?
4. What are some of the ways you can connect with your spouse on their love language?
5. What will you do today to show love to your spouse?
from Growing Your Marriage – Part 2