For this book reading, each day will contain three very important element;
First, a unique aspect of love will be discussed.
Second, you will be given a specific dare to do for your spouse.
Last, you will need a journal to log what you are learning and doing and how your spouse is responding by answering the 'question of the day'. These note will record your progress and should become priceless to you in the future.
The entire book will not be published but every chapter will be previewed and I strongly recommend that you get a hard copy for future references.
Ensure that you do not miss any part of this book reading. Enjoy!
DAY 3: Love Is not Selfish
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.
—Romans 12:10
We live in a world that is enamored with "self". The culture around us teaches us to focus on our appearance, feelings, and personal desires as the top priority. The danger from this kind of thinking, however, becomes painfully apparent once inside a marriage relationship.
If there were ever a word that basically means the opposite of love, it is selfishness. Unfortunately it is something that is ingrained into every person from birth. It is a trait we hate in other people but justify in ourselves.
Why do we have such low standards for ourselves but high expectations for our mate? The answer is a painful pill to swallow. We are all selfish.
When a husband puts his interests, desires, and priorities in front of his wife, that's a sign of selfishness. When a wife constantly complains about the time and energy she spends meeting the needs of her husband, that's a sign of selfishness. But love "does not seek its own" (1 Corinthians 13:5).
One ironic aspect of selfishness is that even generous actions can be selfish if the motives is to gain bragging rights or receive a reward. The bottom line is you either make decisions out of love for others or love for yourself.
Love is never satisfied except in the welfare of others. Love also leads to inner joy. The truth is, when you relinquish your rights for the sake of your mate, you get a chance to lose yourself to the greater purpose of marriage.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I truly want what's best for my husband or wife?
- Do I want them to feel loved by me?
- Do they believe I have their best interests in mind?
- Do they see me as looking out for myself first?
" Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourself" (Philippians 2:3).
TODAY’S DARE
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It’s hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, “I was thinking of you today.”
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What did you choose to give your spouse? What happened when you gave?
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