Dare 17

"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." --Proverbs 17:9
Love promotes intimacy. This is probably the biggest reason why we are drawn to love. We each are born with an "inborn hunger to be known, loved, and accepted." Our very core draws us into intimacy with others so that we can share life in community. Closeness. "But nothing rivals the closeness that's experienced between a husband and wife."
Unfortunately, too many husbands and wives take intimacy for granted. Secrets carried by one are used against them, perhaps as a source of betrayal. It is such a blessing to be married to someone who accepts me--warts and all. But if I felt fear, shame, or distrust, intimacy would not be possible. A husband or wife "can either love us at depths we never imagined, or can wound us in ways we may never fully recover from. It's both the fire and the fear of marriage."
For those who do not consider their homes to be a safe place to be themselves openly in front of their spouse, they will look for safety and intimacy elsewhere. When a husband neglects telling his wife how much she means to him-how beautiful she is-and another man tells her she is breathtaking, betrayal too often begins to stir in her heart. When a wife is a constant nag and doesn't think her husband does enough-does not show him honor and respect-and his pretty co-worker expresses how proud she is of him for winning that big case, his heart too often begins to stir lust.
Marriages in this world are in so much trouble. Especially in America. If we want to experience lasting love, we must guard intimacy and consider our spouse holy. Someone unique, special, and above all others in this world. Someone valued, beautiful, and God's! We must not only pray for our brother's and sister's in Christ, but our very hearts as well. That God can work in our hearts to promote intimacy with our spouse. That home can be a safe haven. May God make my heart home to my wonderful husband.
We can promote intimacy by listening in love and offering support, and always giving a gentle touch, even when it is tough. We must reach out to our beloved in grace and understanding.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." --1 John 4:18. Ahh...how much easier it is to love unconditionally and cast out fear when Christ is loving through me.
Dare 17: Determine to guard your mate's secrets and to PRAY for them. Make them feel safe.
Dare 16: Pray for their heart.
Dare 15: Honor each other.
Dare 14: Delight in each other.
Dare 13: Fight fair.
Dare 12: Let the other win.
Dare 11: Cherish each other.
Dare 10: Love unconditionally.
Dare 9: Greet well.
Dare 8: Don't be jealous.
Dare 7: Believe the best.
Dare 6: Don't be irritable.
Dare 5: Don't be rude.
Dare 4: Be thoughtful.
Dare 3: Be selfless.
Dare 2: Be kind.
Dare 1: Be patient.

--Inspired by "The Love Dare."