If that ever changes... 5-1-08

Greetings Internet Campus,

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

1 Cor. 13: 3b-7 (The Message)

There was a man who had a wife. All day long she complained about him not telling her that he loved her... "You never say it...you never tell me you love me!" she cried. After a week or so of this he turned to her and with a forceful tone told her..."Stop bothering me with this...I told you "I love you" at our wedding...if that ever changes, I'll let you know."

Mmmmm..... I hope this doesn't sound familiar.... When was the last time you said "I love you" to your spouse? Let's just get this out there...you should tell him/her that EVERY DAY. Yep. Everyday. Keep in mind that there are many ways to do that. Of course, you can communicate this verbally to them...but your actions have to line up to your words. However, there are many other ways to show your spouse that you love them.

Remember Tuesdays list of marital needs? Here they are bundled up: Physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service. You can tell your spouse that you love them by discovering their love language and filling that need. I discovered this the hard way.

One of my top love languages is acts of service. When someone does something nice for me it goes a long way. I see it as an act of love. So, naturally, I spent a lot of time as a young husband showing my wife that I love her through doing things for her....cleaning the house, washing the car, etc. I was totally missing it. After about 6 months of this, she kinda hinted to me that I wasn't telling her that I love her anymore. Of course, I couldn't believe my ears...I was DOING all of these things for her!!! However, I was giving love in my love language not hers. Her #1 is quality time. I was doing things for her when all she wanted me to do was sit with her.

Discover what makes your spouse feel loved. Spend your energy and focus on making that happen each and everyday.

Write it Down: What is your #1 love language? What is your spouses? Are you trying to love him/her in the way that YOU like or that they like? In your journal, make a list of 5 things that you can do to show your spouse that you love them in the THEIR language.

See you tomorrow! Don't forget ONLINE SMALL GROUP...TONIGHT @ 7PM!!!

Pastor Brian