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Jesus tells us in John 13:34, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
What does this kind of love look like? It is a sacrifice of self, which includes our expectations. This can be hard as it’s opposite of how our natural mind, and desires, works.
This kind of love involves effort, not mere emotion. It requires action, not just feeling. It comes from God and leads us to being content: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment is not based on circumstances, but on the person of Christ. When we learn this type of contentment, it’ll guide our expectations and works. This revelation can greatly improve your dating life with your spouse!
Put This Love Into Action
Few things are more important to a marriage than dating. It aids in keeping your marriage strong, intimate, fun and it tells your spouse that they are important to you. Some couples have a real date night once a week. I think that is great and definitely something to strive for. I also know it may not be feasible for every couple depending on their season of life.
Date Night - Out Of the House
If you have children you owe it to yourself and them to get away once in a while. Once a month is a healthy scenario for a family. Mom and dad taking time away to romance each other is vital to the well being of the family as a whole.
While out on your date, talk about things you wouldn't normally talk about at home such as: aspirations, goals, dream vacations, what you have learned spiritually, how much you miss each other, etc. Allow him open the door for you, ask him to order for you, and flirt with him! Don’t use date night as an opportunity to bash him for his shortcomings or past mistakes. Date night is about renewal.
Date Night - In the House
If you can't get away for the evening then you can have date night at home. Feed the kids, get them bathed, tuck them in, and allow them to watch a video. If you have older children then leave them charge during your date time. Then mom and dad have dinner by candlelight. Make a special meal for just the two of you. Prepare it together for added fun!
After dinner it is time to snuggle on the sofa while watching a movie and chatting away. And keep in mind, it is always nice to sneak him breakfast in bed the morning after!
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my spouse and our marriage. At times, it feels like we’re just going through the mundane routine of life and that we’ve lost touch with each other. Please help us put our love into action and renew our connection and intimacy. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Couple After God’s Own Heart by Jim and Elizabeth George teaches the secrets to a great marriage by learning from biblical couples. Get started by taking our fun free challenge HERE!
Pick up this book for couples and workbook today!
REFLECT
When is the last time you and your spouse had a night to yourselves? What kind of date night is best for you and you spouse?
REMEMBER
Contentment is not based on circumstances, but on the person of Christ. When we learn this type of contentment, it’ll guide our expectations and works.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.