Day 19 - Really loving John is impossible

Now that I've read the next chapter, I'm glad I've moved on because it's dare is one I've been doing.

This chapter basically talks about the fact that as human beings we can't really love another person fully. I can honestly say that's true for me. I really appreciate the way the author's said this:

"how many times has your love failed to keep you from lying, from lusting, from overreacting, from thinking evil of this person you've vowed before God to love for the rest of your life? How many times has your love proven incapable of controlling your anger? How many times has your love motivated you to forgive or brought about a peaceable end to an ongoing argument?"

They also reminded me of the fact that Ephesians 3:20 tells me that "He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us".

I'm encouraged to pray more for my marriage and specifically to pray more for God to love John through me.

Oh heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love for me. Thank You that You choose to love me, because I recognize that I am undeserving. May You love John through me. Help me to desire that more, to not be, or become, apathetic with regard to my marriage. Help me always be reaching out to You for Your power to let You love John through me. Thank You that You desire good things for me, for John and for our marriage. Thank You so much Father.

Day 10 - Agape

Day 10 is about loving your spouse based on your commitment, instead of his attributes and behavior. It's about the unconditional, God kind of love, referred to in the Bible as Agape.

Part of why I'd been so discouraged in marriage was because I had been feeling out of love with John; simply because of this very reason my love had been based on his attributes and behavior. Once I'd gotten to know him better, as in daily to day life, I no longer thought so well of his attributes and behavior. (Of course I'm sure he couldn't help but notice I wasn't so great all the time either; and I've always been aware of that fact) But, since I've started this book, I've been seeking to lead my heart. To choose to love.

This attitude makes life incredibly better.

The Dare today to do something out of the ordinary today for my spouse. Something that shows both myself and him that I love him.

So heavenly Father, show me as I go through this day what it is that I can do for John today. Thank You Father for loving me. Help me love John, the boys, and everyone else You have in my life with Your agape love. I recognize that I can only do it with you.