"I Love You" But….. DO YOU? Part 2

So what is Love?

Love is a decision to put someone else’s best interests before your own. In marriage, that person would be your spouse. Love is unconditional. That means that you make the decision to do what’s best for your spouse, no matter what the cost and no matter what you get, or don’t get, in return. Now that we know what love means, it MUST be expressed. Here are the two main ways to express love in your marriage.

1) SAY – Continue to say “I love you.” These words need to be said in a marriage. Don’t take for granted that your spouse already knows it. Start telling them on a daily basis. Words are powerful and those words can go a long way towards building up your marriage and encouraging your spouse. Everyone needs to hear that they are loved. And it will begin to create an atmosphere of peace and confidence in your marriage. Just remember what it really means and to not throw the phrase around lightly.

2) DO – Show your spouse your love. Take the mindset that you’re there to please them. Do something self-sacrificing for them. There must be something that you know of that if you did it for them, they would be tremendously appreciative. Go do it. But don’t do it with the motive of getting the appreciation. Do it because your spouse would like it.

Meet their needs. God created men and women as different, so your spouse’s needs may be different than yours. If you don’t know what their needs are, then ask them, with the intent of truly attempting to meet them on a consistent basis. Now your actions are lining up with your words.

I can’t mention Ephesians 5:1-2 enough, so here it is again!

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)

Go tell your husband or wife right now that you love them and explain why it has a new meaning to you. It could be the start of something new and refreshing in your marriage.

Oh I almost forgot, Merry Christmas!

~Nick~