Love Always E-Book

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 399

Beschreibung

Love. According to 1 Corinthians 13:7, "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Always. There's a word that we would rather ignore. Is it even possible to always choose love?   The first days or weeks of marriage might feel easy; loving your spouse is as natural as breathing. But if you've been married for longer than a month, you've likely run into times when choosing love requires effort—sometimes a lot of effort. What would it look like to always protect each other? How can you trust when trust has been broken? Is there hope for a relationship that feels like a constant struggle? What can you do to persevere in the moments you want to yell, cry, throw things, run away, or do all of the above?   Commit your marriage to God. Spend time in his presence together. Keep short accounts. Say sorry. Forgive quickly. Use this devotional as a tool strengthen your marriage. It will encourage you to dive into God's Word, seek his wisdom, ask for help, and lean into his love. You cannot always choose love in your own strength, but everything is possible with God, and God is love. So, you can love because he loves you—always.

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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.

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love always

© 2023 by BroadStreet Publishing®

9781424565719

9781424565726 (eBook)

Devotional entries composed by Brenna Stockman.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (TPT) are taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing. All rights reserved.

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“Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you.”

JOHN 15:12 TPT

CONTENTS

Introduction

January

January 1: Possible

January 2: Mundane Matters

January 3: First

January 4: Made New

January 5: Courage and Faith

January 6: Newly Married

January 7: God’s Supply

January 8: Living in Freedom

January 9: Sleep Well

January 10: Investments

January 11: Transparency

January 12: All We Are

January 13: Love Mandate

January 14: Faithfulness and Compassion

January 15: Adultery and Idolatry

January 16: Genuine Love

January 17: Prayerful Approach

January 18: The Greatest Love

January 19: Confidence in God

January 20: Hope

January 21: Love Is a Choice

January 22: Everything in Love

January 23: No Plan B

January 24: Community

January 25: Loyalty and Kindness

January 26: Humbly Faithful

January 27: God’s Mighty Hand

January 28: The Extra Mile

January 29: Living for God

January 30: Finding the One

January 31: Bigger Picture

February

February 1: Ever Stronger

February 2: Enduring Love

February 3: Heart of Mercy

February 4: Eternal Love

February 5: Plugged In

February 6: Selfless

February 7: God’s Plans

February 8: Accessible

February 9: Hold Tight

February 10: Wisdom

February 11: Trouble and Hardship

February 12: Children

February 13: God’s Directions

February 14: Weakness and Strength

February 15: Worthy Living

February 16: Unspeakable Peace

February 17: Gratitude

February 18: Love Debt

February 19: Motivation

February 20: By God’s Grace

February 21: Confident Hope

February 22: Our Best Life

February 23: Public Progress

February 24: Guard Your Mouth

February 25: Humble Love

February 26: Changing Circumstances

February 27: Fruitful

February 28: Being Sure

March

March 1: Temptation

March 2: Responding to Mercy

March 3: Never Unanswered

March 4: Spirit against Flesh

March 5: Influence

March 6: Approved Worker

March 7: Gazing Heavenward

March 8: Incompatible

March 9: Mercy and Blessings

March 10: Toying with Temptation

March 11: What Is Good

March 12: Flourishing

March 13: God’s Commandments

March 14: True Valuables

March 15: Purpose in Marriage

March 16: Power of Unity

March 17: Watching over Us

March 18: Everlasting Impact

March 19: Inseparable

March 20: Loving the Visible

March 21: Weighty Matters

March 22: Favor with God

March 23: Be Kind

March 24: Love and Submission

March 25: Authority

March 26: Purposeful Suffering

March 27: Watch Your Words

March 28: Be Truthful

March 29: Loyal Friends

March 30: Imitate God

March 31: Watch

April

April 1: Integrity and Devotion

April 2: God’s Faithfulness

April 3: Believe and Turn

April 4: Prayer Is Central

April 5: Trustworthy

April 6: Our Comforter

April 7: Running to Heaven

April 8: Ruth’s Devotion

April 9: Captivated

April 10: Meditate on the Word

April 11: Soft Hearts

April 12: Clean

April 13: Hand in Hand

April 14: Race to Win

April 15: On Our Side

April 16: Relationships Matter

April 17: Staying the Course

April 18: God’s Preparations

April 19: Hospitality

April 20: Righteous Bodies

April 21: Stay Clean

April 22: Grace and Mercy

April 23: Staying the Course

April 24: Broken Promises

April 25: Benefits and Burdens

April 26: Allegiance

April 27: From the Beginning

April 28: Value

April 29: All In

April 30: Valuing Relationships

May

May 1: Go to God

May 2: The Greatest Sacrifice

May 3: Partnership

May 4: A New Command

May 5: Strength and Patience

May 6: If You Love Me

May 7: Persistence in Prayer

May 8: Intimate

May 9: Not Captive

May 10: Expansive Love

May 11: Living against Tension

May 12: Strength and Courage

May 13: Children of God

May 14: Winning

May 15: The Lord’s Direction

May 16: Different Gifts

May 17: Good Thoughts

May 18: Sound Judgment

May 19: Bad Behavior

May 20: Thought Life

May 21: Contentment

May 22: Be Still

May 23: Good Work

May 24: Repent

May 25: Restoration

May 26: Dependency

May 27: Eyes of Light

May 28: Friendship

May 29: Acting by Command

May 30: Stronger Together

May 31: Divinely Sanctioned

June

June 1: Unity in Marriage

June 2: Wisdom

June 3: No Fear

June 4: Living Redeemed

June 5: Shifting Circumstances

June 6: Higher Calling

June 7: Forgiveness

June 8: Our True Desire

June 9: Ultimate Satisfaction

June 10: Kingdom Living

June 11: People of God

June 12: Caring for Each Other

June 13: Unfair Trade

June 14: Self-Control

June 15: Freedom to Serve

June 16: Abide with Me

June 17: The Christian Life

June 18: Love in Action

June 19: Called Out

June 20: Step Up

June 21: Desire

June 22: God Fights for You

June 23: White-Hot

June 24: Share the Love

June 25: Always Supported

June 26: Endurance

June 27: Family

June 28: Life and Peace

June 29: Anger

June 30: Sacrificial Love

July

July 1: God’s Will on Earth

July 2: Limited Vision

July 3: Do to Others

July 4: Reconciled

July 5: The Creation of Marriage

July 6: Determined to Win

July 7: Slaves to Righteousness

July 8: God’s Counsel

July 9: United

July 10: Faithful to the End

July 11: Enchanting Love

July 12: Take No Vengeance

July 13: Fully Committed

July 14: Quick to Listen

July 15: Burdens

July 16: Weak but Willing

July 17: Broken Yoke

July 18: Assurance

July 19: Give

July 20: A Good Place

July 21: Return to the Lord

July 22: Traveling Blessings

July 23: Love Covers

July 24: God’s Virtue

July 25: Love in Action

July 26: Sowing and Reaping

July 27: Authority of Scripture

July 28: Compassion and Grace

July 29: Comfort Each Other

July 30: Fulfilling the Law

July 31: Deadweight

August

August 1: Give an Account

August 2: Love and Hate

August 3: Your Best

August 4: Undivided Devotion

August 5: A Noble Wife

August 6: Walk in Love

August 7: Sacrificial Living

August 8: Do Not Worry

August 9: Exercising Faith

August 10: Treasure Your Spouse

August 11: Love as Law

August 12: Fruit of Love

August 13: Love and Respect

August 14: Two Worlds

August 15: God’s Strength

August 16: Love and Faithfulness

August 17: Prayer Is Purposeful

August 18: Living by Faith

August 19: Spirit of Power

August 20: Serving God

August 21: Inner Being

August 22: Respect and Purity

August 23: Love’s Passion

August 24: God’s Eyes Only

August 25: God Is Love

August 26: Born of God

August 27: Unconditional

August 28: Abraham’s Faith

August 29: With All

August 30: Wholesome Talk

August 31: Christ Within

September

September 1: Loving When It’s Tough

September 2: Love’s Value

September 3: Our Helper

September 4: Be the Example

September 5: Committed to the Lord

September 6: Scalable Virtue

September 7: Good Works

September 8: Staying Focused

September 9: Salvation

September 10: Love Others

September 11: Not Blind Faith

September 12: Supplemented with Love

September 13: Renewed Minds

September 14: Tests of Faith

September 15: Good Gifts

September 16: All Things

September 17: Better Together

September 18: Entrusted to God

September 19: Blueprints

September 20: Forsaking All

September 21: Faith Defends

September 22: Power of Patience

September 23: Motives Matter

September 24: Day and Night

September 25: Paradox

September 26: Extending God’s Love

September 27: Run to God

September 28: Fostering Communion

September 29: The Lord’s Will

September 30: The Seventh Virtue

October

October 1: Compassionate Justice

October 2: Acts of Love

October 3: Becoming One

October 4: Unmerited Devotion

October 5: Love Motive

October 6: The First Relationship

October 7: The Greatest

October 8: Enduring Forever

October 9: Now and Later

October 10: Completion

October 11: Divine Love

October 12: Love Conquers All

October 13: Truth in Love

October 14: Top of Mind

October 15: Accepting Each Other

October 16: Above All Else

October 17: Pick Up Your Shield

October 18: New Life

October 19: Under Pressure

October 20: Whoever Loves God

October 21: Intentionally

October 22: Without Complaint

October 23: Rooted in Christ

October 24: Watch and Carry

October 25: Proper Priorities

October 26: Living Honorably

October 27: Understanding Love

October 28: Fellowship

October 29: Devotion to God

October 30: Renewed Strength

October 31: Enduring Hope

November

November 1: Submission

November 2: Resolute

November 3: Right Love

November 4: Overflowing Love

November 5: God Enthroned

November 6: Flooded with Light

November 7: Our Merciful God

November 8: Strengths and Weaknesses

November 9: Remember Always

November 10: Fearless

November 11: Pitfalls of Pride

November 12: Carry Our Crosses

November 13: Steadfast Love

November 14: Pursue Peace

November 15: Fulfillment in God

November 16: Greater Glory

November 17: One Body One Spirit

November 18: Eternal Inheritance

November 19: Made Right

November 20: Love Made Perfect

November 21: Beyond Self

November 22: Do Good

November 23: Inner Beauty

November 24: Passionate Unity

November 25: Bear with Each Other

November 26: Keep it Fresh

November 27: Entrusted

November 28: Love’s Strength

November 29: No Separation

November 30: Bonding Two

December

December 1: Better than Life

December 2: Devotion

December 3: First Things First

December 4: Pursuing and Finding

December 5: Obedience

December 6: God Hears

December 7: Remaining Holy

December 8: Hope

December 9: Belonging

December 10: Contending

December 11: Harmony

December 12: Expression of Love

December 13: A Good Thing

December 14: Satisfy Your Soul

December 15: Lack Nothing

December 16: Direction

December 17: Patience

December 18: Attachment

December 19: Source of Love

December 20: God’s Kindness

December 21: Stand Firm

December 22: Discipline

December 23: A Future Hope

December 24: The Living Spirit

December 25: Prince of Peace

December 26: Love Is a Gift

December 27: Fighting Fear

December 28: Giving

December 29: One Body

December 30: A Little Wrath

December 31: Purpose of Faith

INTRODUCTION

Love. According to 1 Corinthians 13:7, “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Always. There’s a word that we would rather ignore. Is it even possible to always choose love?

The first days or weeks of marriage might feel easy; loving your spouse is as natural as breathing. But if you’ve been married for longer than a month, you’ve likely run into times when choosing love requires effort—sometimes a lot of effort. What would it look like to always protect each other? How can you trust when trust has been broken? Is there hope for a relationship that feels like a constant struggle? What can you do to persevere in the moments you want to yell, cry, throw things, run away, or do all of the above?

Commit your marriage to God. Spend time in his presence together. Keep short accounts. Say sorry. Forgive quickly. Use this devotional as a tool strengthen your marriage. It will encourage you to dive into God’s Word, seek his wisdom, ask for help, and lean into his love. You cannot always choose love in your own strength, but everything is possible with God, and God is love. So, you can love because he loves you—always.

JANUARY

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

EPHESIANS 4:2-3 NIV

 

JANUARY 1

POSSIBLE

Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

MARK 10:27 NASB

How often do we tell God our deepest desires? As children, we have no problem praying for a ballgame win or a new baby brother, but as adults, we tend to lose the art of entrusting our dreams to the Lord. Maybe we keep a mental list of the times he hasn’t answered our prayers the way we wanted, or we might think he has better things to do. Either way, we have to reawaken the inner child who longs to open up to the Lord and trust him in all things.

The Bible is clear that prayer is important in our spiritual lives. One, we need to be reminded that God can do anything. Two, we need to exercise our vulnerability and humility. We need to verbally make our petitions known to God and verbally submit to his plan, whatever it is, just like Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane. God’s power is unsearchable. He can, and does, work miracles for his kingdom. Don’t be afraid to ask him what you’ve been afraid to think about. Trust that he will answer you in the best way.

Lord, we praise you for your great power. You created the world with your words; you can do anything. Remind us that we can trust you with our requests in faith. You work everything together for good.

 

JANUARY 2

MUNDANE MATTERS

I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.

PHILIPPIANS 1:10 NLT

Most people struggle with the mundane tasks of everyday life. Do they really matter? What eternal weight do they carry? Wouldn’t our precious time and effort be better spent on more important things? As holy as that sounds, God has given us simple tasks because they can teach us about him. For instance, God is patient. He also esteems the lowly, prioritizes servanthood and care of others, honesty, and humility.

Today, if you are doing your taxes, changing dirty diapers, heading to a mediocre job, washing dishes, or caught up in thankless responsibilities, remember how Jesus also paid taxes, washed feet, worked as a carpenter, and lived a regular life pure and blameless. Do not become dismayed. These trite tasks matter too, and your Father sees you.

Oh God, sometimes it’s hard to keep blameless and pure in our daily duties! Please encourage us and remind us to encourage each other too. Thank you for the example of your life.

 

JANUARY 3

FIRST

We love, because He first loved us.

1 JOHN 4:19 NKJV

A good relationship is not made of two people who each give fifty percent. A good relationship is made of two people who are willing to give all when their partner gives nothing, to love their partner first before receiving love or even civility. Some days, we have to give our all. Other days, we are in a spiritual rut, and our spouses are the ones going the extra mile while we refuse to or can’t lift our feet.

This is the precedent God set; he loved us before we loved him. A love like this is a true marker of commitment. It shows the other person that we are there for them even when they are at their worst, and we won’t abandon them. The prophet Hosea was made to demonstrate this to an adulterous wife who, for all we know, never returned the love he poured over her year after year. We have a high standard to live up to.

Gracious Lord in heaven, you have planted in us the seed of love to grow, flourish, and give you glory. Teach us to show love to those who show us none and to be the one who loves first.

 

JANUARY 4

MADE NEW

If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 NASB

We need eyes to see situations and people the way God does. We are not defined by our pasts, and we have no right to define someone else by theirs either. Christ forgave even the worst people when they showed a desire to change. Murderers, adulterers, and thieves clamored for him to make them new!

On a smaller, more personal note, we can’t hold the past sins of a spouse against them if they are sorry and working to change. Arguments that begin with “You always” or “You never” don’t lead to a good place. Dragging up offenses of the past when dealing with the present is not good game play. When dealing with us, God deals with the current us. He doesn’t define us by our past offenses. His forgiveness is final. Let’s choose to be grateful and learn from his example.

Lord, this is a new year and a new day. Thank you for not holding our past mistakes against us but always leading us onward and upward. Please teach us to have the same forgiveness and patience with each other.

 

JANUARY 5

COURAGE AND FAITH

We are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

HEBREWS 10:39 NLT

The Lord wants us to courageously live like Christ in a world that doesn’t respect him or his way of doing things. How we speak, act, and make decisions will be confusing to a population rooted in self-interest and temporary living. Even our marriages look different because they exist to serve him rather than ourselves.

It won’t always be easy to swim against the current of this culture, but our faith in the Lord provides us the courage and assurance we need to stay strong and continue. Take the path less trodden, read his Word to light your way, and lean on your spouse when times get hard. Marriage provides a wonderful partnership to help us along the way.

Father God, we are your faithful ones. At times we stumble, and we’re not always faithful, but our faith is always in you. We know we can rely on you, and that confidence influences every aspect of our lives. Thank you for calling us your children and providing us a way.

 

JANUARY 6

NEWLY MARRIED

“When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.”

DEUTERONOMY 24:5 NKJV

Isn’t this an incredible mandate God gave the Israelites? Clearly, God takes marriage seriously, and he knows how important a solid foundation is. Although this Old Testament law is not as applicable in modern society, the principle behind it can still be respected.

While enjoying wedded bliss, build those strong foundations before jumping back into normal life. No matter how far along in our marriage journey we are, let’s take time to enjoy each other’s company and always spend focused time within each other’s love and happiness.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for our marriage that uses you as its foundation and love as its pillars. Please remind us to prioritize our time together and bring happiness to each other.

 

JANUARY 7

GOD’S SUPPLY

My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 4:19 NASB

Have you ever been at the end of your rope and God miraculously came through for you? When you have a need and you don’t know how to fill it, where do you turn to first? Do you worry? Work harder? Pray?

God has riches beyond our wildest imagination. God lacks nothing, and he wants to share everything with us. More than paying a bill or meeting a deadline, however, God cares about your heart and your faith. He wants you to trust him in moments of need as well as moments of plenty. Yes, we ought to work hard and take responsibility for our lives, but the first thing we should do is call out to our loving, caring, generous Father and ask him for his help and supply.

Dear God, we come to you with our needs today before we try to fill them ourselves. Please supply us with everything we require. Above money, food, answers, or relationships, we pray you would give us faith, courage, love, and peace. We know situations will work out for the best when we trust you.

 

JANUARY 8

LIVING IN FREEDOM

Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:27 ESV

Being single and being married both have their blessings. One is not greater than the other, for different ways to serve the Lord are possible with both, and different blessings are associated with each circumstance. Rather than bemoaning what someone else has been called to, try looking at all the Lord has given you in this season and consider how you may use it for his glory.

As believers, we have a responsibility to not sin in our circumstances whether we are married or not. Let’s honor the Lord and our spouses by staying faithful to marriage in word, deed, and especially our thoughts.

Lord, thank you for the different seasons we find ourselves in throughout life. Each of them is an opportunity to love you more and serve you better. Please show us how we can serve you now.

 

JANUARY 9

SLEEP WELL

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

PSALM 127:2 ESV

What are your first feelings when you wake up? How about when you lie down to sleep? Is anxiety eating away at you? You are God’s child; your birthright is peace, joy, and eternal security with your Father. Don’t let the worries of the world steal your birthright.

Rising early, working hard, and being responsible is very different from striving vainly in our own strength. We can trust God to take care of us while still devoting ourselves to our duties and maintaining a good work ethic. The question is, do you truly trust that God is going to take care of you? If you do, sleep well. He has it under control.

Heavenly Father, we want our first thoughts of the day to be of you and our first feelings to be peaceful. Teach us the balance between working diligently and trusting you. Bless your children’s sleep, Lord.

 

JANUARY 10

INVESTMENTS

May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

JUDE 1:2 NASB

If you are familiar with compound interest, then you know that it is the multiplied return of an investment. Our life in Christ also has a return on our investments, and its compounding profits are mercy, peace, and love.

If we invest in the world, we will reap its flavorless fruit. If we invest in our marriage, it will be stronger and more fulfilling. If we invest in our kids, they will have a more solid foundation as adults. If we invest in God and in understanding his Word, we will reap his rewards, which will be greatly multiplied like any good compound interest. Invest in what matters, not in what diminishes the value of your life. The return is well worth the venture.

There is no better investment we could make than investing our hearts in you, dear Father. Please multiply your mercy, peace, and love back to us and make the most of our lives which we willingly offer to you.

 

JANUARY 11

TRANSPARENCY

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

PSALM 139:23 NLT

Even been embarrassed about something you did? Did you hide it because you were scared of the consequences? Maybe you hide things from your spouse because you don’t know how they will react. Do you struggle to be transparent about your struggles?

We can bring our sins and fears to God, and they won’t overwhelm or surprise him. In fact, he already knows all about them and still loves us unconditionally. He never gives up on us, and he doesn’t want us to give up either. He knows the best way to conquer the sin and darkness in our life is to expose it. It’s scary, uncomfortable, and humiliating, but darkness is terrified of the light. Bring your anxious thoughts, your hidden sins, the darkness in your heart, your secret struggles, and lay them at the foot of the cross. If they creep back, lay them down again. Ask God and your spouse for help. Whatever you do, live in the light.

Lord, today we will be honest with you, and we will be honest with each other. We want to walk in the light, but we can’t do it alone. Search us, dear God.

 

JANUARY 12

ALL WE ARE

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

DEUTERONOMY 6:5 NIV

The Lord has never been interested in a transactional relationship with his people. He has no desire to be one of our hobbies. God, our Creator and salvation, deserves our full attention and passion. Loving our spouses can help us understand the way that God wants us to love him. We love our spouses with affectionate hearts, with our bodies in acts of service and intimacy, and we love them in spirit by encouraging and investing in them.

The Lord asks that our every facet be devoted to him. Our relationship with him should be lively. Much like a marriage, this relationship requires effort. It demands intentionality, honesty, and humility. To love God, and to love a spouse, means loving them with all that we are emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Lord, awaken our souls to a new depth of relationship with you and with each other. Show us where we lack a fullness of passion and have become apathetic and complacent. We praise you for your bottomless ocean of love, joy, and creativity that allows us to engage our whole selves in relationship with you and each other.

 

JANUARY 13

LOVE MANDATE

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”

JOHN 15:12 NASB

God is love, and he commands us to love like he loves us. Love is not just something we do. It is who we are as children of the God who is love. A husband and wife who love and serve each other are a testimony of what love is supposed to look like.

Love and marriage are not about what we can get; they are about what we can give. Love means giving ourselves; our time, energy, resources, and space, just as God gave so much of himself for us, including his life. Love is not optional for a child of God; his commandment is that we love each other as he has loved us.

Lord, thank you for your example of love. We pray that our marriage can be a testimony of your goodness as we learn to treat each other with love as well.

 

JANUARY 14

FAITHFULNESS AND COMPASSION

Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithfulness; According to the greatness of Your compassion, wipe out my wrongdoings.

PSALM 51:1 NASB

Often when we strive for faithfulness, we do it with mumbling and discontent. We will stay married, but not happily. We will stay at our job, but not with a good attitude. The heart of God is in contrast to this, abounding in faithfulness rooted in compassion. He is not faithful to us because he has to be. Out of compassion for our poor souls, he is willing to “wipe out” our wrongdoings. He is not chained to us; he binds himself to people he knows will run away time and time again.

Despite this, he chooses to love anyway. He chooses to invest in us and be gracious to us. This is the image of true Christian marriage: the compassionate, covenant relationship between God and the church. If we want this in our marriage, we will pray for hearts of faithfulness rooted in compassion as well as loyalty.

God, give us hearts of compassion and commitment this day. Make us people of open hearts who are willing to love when unloved and willing to stay true when abandoned.

 

JANUARY 15

ADULTERY AND IDOLATRY

“You shall obey the voice of the LORD your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.”

DEUTERONOMY 27:10 NKJV

In the Bible, the relationship between God and his people is often compared to a marriage, and spiritual idolatry is equated with marital infidelity. The bond we have with the Lord is not something to be taken lightly. Sin is a violation of our union with God just as infidelity is a violation of our marriage promise to forsake all others. Our spirits belong to the Lord when we ask him to save us. When we dethrone God in our lives to replace him with another authority, we commit spiritual adultery.

Jesus came to atone for that spiritual adultery, which, as sinful humans, we can’t fully put to death until we are glorified. When we fall into spiritual adultery, we feel a righteous shame, but after asking for forgiveness, we feel a deep gratitude for the God who gave us the ability to be forgiven.

Father, please use our marriage to teach us about your desire for our hearts. Help us understand the similarity between adultery and idolatry, and let it move us to be more dedicated to a faithful relationship with you and each other. Thank you for sending Jesus so our shortcomings could be used to further your glory.

 

JANUARY 16

GENUINE LOVE

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

ROMANS 12:9 ESV

The devil works hard to make sin seem attractive, but if we really understood how deeply hurtful it is to our loving God, we would abhor it. People everywhere try to soft-peddle their sin to appease their guilt, but the truth is that whatever is not for God is against God. Scripture tells us to “hold fast” to what is good because it is not easy. It takes intentionality and dedication.

Genuine love for the Lord and for others motivates us to do what is good and refuse what is evil. We can’t fake love; either it will be genuine, or it will be exposed as forced. To genuinely love God, we have to genuinely know God because how can we love someone we don’t know? Hold fast to what is good, hold tightly to spending time with God, and evil will become more and more abhorrent to you.

We genuinely love you, Lord, and we want to know you more. When we think of how it hurts your heart to watch your children flirt with evil, it horrifies us. We never want to do that! Please keep us far from evil.

 

JANUARY 17

PRAYERFUL APPROACH

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 NKJV

Christian marriage is not devoid of problems, but the difference is we can take issues to Christ in prayer and find help. Instead of feeling anxious and overwhelmed, believers may humbly and gratefully approach God with whatever is on their minds.

Mature prayer includes thanking God for all he has done in addition to asking for his help. We believers don’t have problem-free lives and marriages, but we do have the greatest helper on our team ready to lead us through any obstacle. Addressing problems with real, lasting answers begins with prayer because all true wisdom comes from God. Reliance on Christ creates contentment and produces peace in marriage as well as our other relationships.

Lord, sometimes life throws a lot at us, and we don’t know how to deal with it. Sometimes our marriage goes through tough times, and we get anxious. We ask, Father, that you guard our hearts and minds against anxiety, give us peace, and strengthen our marriage.

 

JANUARY 18

THE GREATEST LOVE

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

JOHN 15:13 NKJV

Christ loved and cherished the church, his bride, so dearly that he gave up his life for her. In doing so, he offered the greatest example of love: the innocent willingly sacrificing themselves for the guilty.

Do you love your spouse? Your family? Your friends? Perhaps there is no crucifixion in your future, but Christ made it clear that love is active and not passive. Love is a lifestyle and not feelings or empty words. Every day Jesus served those he met. He washed feet, fed the hungry, healed the hurting, and taught those who were desperate to understand more. Ultimately, he gave himself over to death on our behalf, but he gave up his own life each and every day for the sake of those he loved. That is true, great, unconditional love.

King Jesus, we are in awe of the love you have shown us. Amazingly, you have put this same love in us to pour out on other people. When we’re feeling tired or selfish, remind us of your great love and flood our hearts again.

 

JANUARY 19

CONFIDENCE IN GOD

Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

HEBREWS 10:35-36 NLT

It’s tempting to rely on our abilities and resources rather than trust the Lord and depend on his provisions, but we can’t serve two masters. It is either us or God. Scripture constantly reminds us to place our trust in the Lord because it turns out much better for us if we do. We can keep pressing on against all odds because we have confidence in God’s ability and intention to provide for us.

Let’s face today’s challenges with courage and confidence. It may take longer than feels comfortable for things to turn around, but with patience and endurance, we will experience the rewards God has promised for those who persevere.

Oh God, sometimes it feels like things will never change. Sometimes it seems there is no way through. In those moments, remind us how great you are and how much you care.

 

JANUARY 20

HOPE

Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

PSALM 31:24 NKJV

What happens when hard times fall on you, your family, or your nation? How do you conduct yourself? Look around. You will see people who crumble under pressure, who hide away from uncertainty, who become angry and uncontrollable when threatened, who turn to temporary comfort when subjected to discomfort, and who become depressed or hopeless in the face of loss.

We are not like the world which only hopes in itself. We put our hope in the everlasting, all-powerful King of the universe! Our hope will never be disappointed. The Lord gives us strength and courage to face anything that comes our way.

Mighty King, our hope is in you. Thank you for equipping us with the strength and courage we need to face each day. We are different from the world because of you. Our marriage is different, our family is different, and we shine your light in this dark and despondent generation.

 

JANUARY 21

LOVE IS A CHOICE

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 JOHN 3:16 NLT

God’s love is deep and intimate. His love is sacrificial and acts on our behalf. Love is not a desire for someone else based on personal gratification; it’s a desire for someone else’s well-being. When someone is willing to put their own needs and romantic satisfaction second to the needs of someone else, that is genuine love.

Love is deeper than its emotion. God’s love, as seen through today’s verse, is best understood as a choice to act selflessly for someone else. It is the effective, powerful choice of God to look beyond the sins of his people, pay their debt, and forgive them rather than let them perish. If God has such immense love for us, who are nothing compared to him, what sort of love should we have for each other as equals?

Dear God, we love each other because you loved us first. As your blood watered the earth at the foot of the cross, it brought salvation to those who pray in your name. Today, we will walk in your love and treat others with the self-sacrificing mercy you first showed to us.

 

JANUARY 22

EVERYTHING IN LOVE

Let all that you do be done with love.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:14 NKJV

Throughout his letter to the Corinthians, Paul gave several practical admonitions and encouragements for those who desired to live in a way that honored the Lord. Paul wanted the believers in Corinth to grow in their Christian faith and walk in spirit and truth. Refusing to shy away from difficult subjects, he tackled issues dividing the church and exposed the foolishness of human wisdom by contrasting it with the wisdom of God. He laid out principles for marriage and godly conduct, discussed the importance of the Lord’s Supper, and explained the kinds of spiritual gifts. The point of it all? Love.

Paul’s teaching pointed to the supremacy of love over everything else. This is how our mindset of marriage, and life as a whole, should be.

Lord, thank you for the love you show us which teaches us to love as well. May everything we do, say, and think be out of the love you freely gave to us.

 

JANUARY 23

NO PLAN B

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

JEREMIAH 29:13 NASB

When you pray, do you imagine that God is standing by and ready to take your order like a waiter? Or do you understand that he is King on his throne, welcoming you with open arms? He wants you to seek him before all else. Before you’d married your spouse, if they had told you that you were their plan B after trying someone else first, would you have felt loved?

Well, God is no different. He has no intention of being anyone’s plan B or sharing his throne with other gods in your life. There is no room for half-hearted Christians in his perfect plan. Humbly and sincerely, let’s lay our other dreams and gods down before him and search for him with our whole hearts.

With our whole hearts, Lord, we seek you today. You are more important than our schedules, friends, bank accounts, and everything else in our lives. We submit everything to you today.

 

JANUARY 24

COMMUNITY

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.

1 JOHN 2:9-10 ESV

When you encounter trouble and hardship, isn’t it reassuring to have someone you can count on? Usually, the person you can count on is the closest person to you: your spouse. But what about when you both need help? This is why community is so important and why God designed us to be part of a bigger body of believers.

Living in community is often difficult simply because there are more people. Conflict arises, and it’s easier to avoid it than work through it. Hate can creep in, and suddenly we are thrown into darkness. Still, the work is worth it when it comes to relationships: your relationship with the Lord, your spouse, and the community God has given you. Life is richer and more rewarding when filled with relationships and love.

Your design is perfect, dear God, and you designed us for relationships. Thank you for our marriage, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and most of all for our relationship with you.

 

JANUARY 25

LOYALTY AND KINDNESS

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

PROVERBS 3:3 NLT

If you have someone in your life who is loyal and kind even under pressure and in dark days, hold tightly to that person. That is a friendship worth keeping close. Marriage is a friendship meant to last a lifetime, and nobody wants to be tied to an unkind person. Exercise loyalty and practice kindness.

Anyone can be loyal and kind when it’s mutually beneficial and life is good, but what about when it’s tough? What about when you’re angry, or you’re tempted, or your spouse isn’t being kind? There is a reason the Bible uses extreme imagery like “tie them around your neck” and “write them deep within your heart.” It won’t always be easy, yet those are the moments that matter and make the biggest difference in a relationship. Hold fast!

You have never left us, Lord, and your kindness is unwavering. Help us be more like you in the way we treat each other and all our other relationships.

 

JANUARY 26

HUMBLY FAITHFUL

Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

JOHN 13:37 ESV

A faithful person is dependable. They bring a sense of security and peace to those who rely on them. It is good for us to be men and women of our word so others know they can trust us. This is especially important within marriage because of the high level of trust needed to have an intimate relationship.

Ultimately, only God is faithful all the time. Even with the best intentions, like Peter, we all fail sometimes. Peter failed terribly, and his story of unfaithfulness stands as a stark warning for us as well as a glorious example of God’s grace. Rather than grow cocky in our good intentions or rely heavily on our own merit, let’s look to Jesus’ example of faithfulness and use his strength. He has generously gifted it to us.

How desperately we want to promise to stay faithful to you, Lord God! Peter’s wake-up call is a heartbreaking story, and we want to learn from that rather than experience it ourselves. Please, God, give us your strength to remain true to you, to each other, and to anyone who relies on us.

 

JANUARY 27

GOD’S MIGHTY HAND

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 PETER 5:6-7 NKJV

God cares for you! Is that hard to believe sometimes? When the hand of God weighs heavily on us, like it did on Job as he lay in the dust, how can we believe God cares for us? How can we cast our anxieties on a God who seems harsh in the measures of his love?

This is what it means to die to ourselves and live for Christ. The choice to humble ourselves under the hand of God is the choice to love God. That love, born in the fires of difficulty, lives on in times of peace. Our love for God comes from our choice to trust him rather than rely on ourselves. The love we have for our spouses similarly comes from our love for God. Our choice to humble ourselves gives birth to more love and is made manifest when we are exalted from difficulty.

Lord of love and God of our tribulation, give us the faith to cast every anxiety on you when we are tempted by pain and sorrow to resent you instead. Use this trial to sow seeds of deep, everlasting love in our hearts.

 

JANUARY 28

THE EXTRA MILE

“If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

LUKE 6:29-31 NIV

This passage appears counterproductive or even dangerous at face value. Who wants to turn the other cheek when slapped? Most of us would feel the urge to retaliate. The point Jesus was making wasn’t to allow yourself to be abused or become a passive participant in violence; it’s about going the extra mile.

Let’s go above and beyond what is expected of us because that is how Jesus lived. In marriage, we will face times when we must go the extra mile, not because we were compelled or forced, but because of our great love and devotion for Jesus.

Lord, you tell us to turn our cheek, give our coat, and go the extra mile. Honestly, God, we often don’t feel like doing that, but we know faith is tested and love is proven in those actions. Please help us be strong when those moments arise. Thank you.

 

JANUARY 29

LIVING FOR GOD

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

HEBREWS 6:10 NIV

Regardless of our station in life, God is the one ultimately judging all we do, so all our services are really for him. From the mistreated, enslaved person to the wealthiest leader, everyone is called to work for God’s honor and glory.

Although it seems unfair how much some people have and how little others have, that is a temporary way of thinking because God has a specific calling for each of us. Our life on earth is short, and the best we can do is use however much or little we have received in service to our King. God asks us to love him by loving and serving his people. How can you love him today? How can you love your spouse? How can you use the position you have been given and the resources you have in service to God?

Lord, everything we have and all that we are is for your glory. Our positions, our money, our marriage, and our whole lives are for you. Show us how we can love you today by loving others.

 

JANUARY 30

FINDING THE ONE

Hardly had I left them When I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go.

S