tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317497187874693726.post3681260011131266959..comments2024-02-20T03:19:25.749-08:00Comments on Chrystal's Corner: The Love Dare Challenge: Days 1-5Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09950396248383126492noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317497187874693726.post-87889402046397650162011-06-18T13:10:26.226-07:002011-06-18T13:10:26.226-07:00Thanks dad! I know you are right that it is about ...Thanks dad! I know you are right that it is about a selfless love and ultimately this is an area I struggle with. Not because I don't believe it or want to live it but because it is hard. A big part of me craves recognition and I know that is causing a huge roadblock in all of this.<br />I appreciate you and mom's advice and definitely see all that God has done and continues to do in your marriage. I will pray on this and take everything you said to heart as I decide whether or not to continue. Love you:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09950396248383126492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317497187874693726.post-45503605849809687782011-06-18T12:11:09.521-07:002011-06-18T12:11:09.521-07:00Pete,
While this can be a trying and sometime disc...Pete,<br />While this can be a trying and sometime discouraging exercise, please consider continuing on. I am speaking to married couples tonight at the church and I am using verses from Ephesians 5:21-32. What I am finding in my preparation is that the key to a great marriage is "agape" love and submitting to your spouse. The hard thing about these two points is that God commands us to love our spouse in a way that does not expect a return - in other words selfless love just as Christ loves us and the church. Ouch - That's a hard concept for everyone. To give, serve and submit and expect NOTHING in return is a hard pill to swallow. However, Christ calls us to do that for him when he calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). Since God is so purposeful in comparing the marriage relationship to our relationship with Christ, we need to examine these words when we think of our spouse. God says deny ourselves - Put the other first. Then He says take up our cross - Things like working on our negativety, etc... and then He says follow Him - Submission! Sometimes lost in the Love Dare process is the act of examining ourselves and our motives instead of doing something to or for our spouse.<br /><br />Like I said before, please don't give up. Mom and I have been working on our marriage for 31 years and we have an incredible marriage but it is far from perfect. However, continual and purposeful working on it has continued to strengthen and improve it each and every day. Keep up the work and we'll keep praying for you guys. We are proud of you, your husband and your family and God has many incredible things for your marriage relationship. Don't give up because God NEVER gives up on us!<br /><br />Love - DadMissionaries Dave and Toni Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16709661305846084537noreply@blogger.com