Day 10

Love is Unconditional

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us." -Romans 5:8

If someone were to ask you, "Why do you love your spouse?" And all of your answers have something to do with his or her qualities- and then those same qualities suddenly or gradually disappear- your basis for love is over. The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love. If a man says to his wife, "I have fallen out of love with you," his is actually saying, "I never loved you unconditionally to begin with." His love was based on feelings or circumstances rather than commitment. There must be a stronger foundation than mere friendship or sexual attraction. Unconditional love will not be swayed by time or circumstance. That's not to say, though, that love which began for the wrong reasons cannot be restored and redeemed. But you will struggle and fail to attain this kind of marriage unless you allow God to begin growing His love within you. Love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7) does not come from within. It can only come from God. Hopefully, you will no longer say, "I love you because..." You will now say, "I love you, period."

Today's Dare: 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.

And just for the record...my Love Dare is going exceptionally well. I am keeping a journal and plan on posting the results after February 14th. However, let the record show that last night was not so easy. :) Brian was tired and cranky!