Created to Love Blog: We Are Created To Love Our Spouse
On April 8, 1995, I said I do to the love of my life, Wayne Alan Ransom. Since that time we have had many, many ups and downs but God is faithful. He continues to show Himself strong in our lives. His Spirit humbles us and shows us we are not perfect, but perfect for each other. He showed us the understanding and importance of covenant over commitment. Twenty-four years later we are stronger than we have ever been and will continue to grow closer and stronger together as God continues to be the glue that keeps us together. Please know, true love, the kind of love that keeps a couple together for a lifetime, is not a feeling but an attitude. It says, With the help of God, I'm going to do everything I can to enhance the life of my spouse. This attitude leads to words and actions that are beneficial to your spouse and often stimulate warm emotions inside the spouse's heart. If this person reciprocates with words and behavior that express his or her love for you, warm emotions may also return to you. Usually, you get what you give. The more you give of your time, your love, your understanding, your forgiveness usually you will receive the same in return. One of the great tragedies of Western culture is that we have equated love with warm emotional feelings. In fact, these warm romantic feelings are the result of love, not the essence of love. This is why love can be commanded, as in Ephesians 5Q25: "Husbands, love your wives"; and love can be taught and learned, as noted in Titus 2Q4, where the older women are instructed to teach the younger women to love their husbands. God doesn't command emotions, but He often commands attitudes and behavior. The good news is that whatever God commands, He enables us to do. Love is the choice to cooperate with God in serving your spouse. The individuals who truly love see themselves as God's agents for enriching the lives of their marriage partner. For them, love is a way of life. They are constantly looking for ways to help, encourage and support the partner. Such love often stimulates warm, romantic feelings in the heart of the spouse. Emotions are the icing on the cake. But without a loving attitude and appropriate behavior, the icing will melt. You may not be with your soulmate yet, but please know that the right mindset and preparation are key. Start now by deciding to choose to love. Regardless of the circumstances. Love is a choice.
PRAYER: God please place in us a heart of belief to accept Your love for us so that we can choose to freely love our spouse with every fiber of our being. So that our marriage will thrive as You are the center of our existence and that we can live lives that glorify You in every area; our spiritual walk, our family, our friends, our community, our work, and our finances. Amen.
