Love Dare - Day 12: Love Lets The Other Win

Soooooo, how did you do yesterday? Did you do something WONDERFUL for your spouse? Something for them and not, in any way, for yourself? Was it hard?

My plan fell through, yet again. I realized, too late, that I had forgotten to defrost the meat for the shepherd's pie. So, in a quick thinking ploy to save the deed, I thought, BLUEBERRY PANCAKES. Yes, saves the day:)

Except, then we realized that Hubbs would not be home for dinner at all. Nope, he had to go run sound at church for worship practice. Sooooo, we will try again tonight. He, however, stopped at the store for me on his way home and picked up a last minute item for Hattie's costume. And some flowers for his surprised wife! LOVE HIM!!!!!

OK, on to today...

"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" - Philippians 2:4

If I asked you to write a list of three things causing disagreements in your marriage, you probably would not have to think very hard, would you? What about ten? Little tougher, but still doable, right?

Stubbornness. Not a pretty personality trait is it? It is what 'causes us to argue with the ones we love the most. But is it ALL bad? I mean, isn't stubbornness the very thing that leads us to stand up for our convictions and everything that we believe in? And, as long as we can find a balance, doesn't it all work out OK in the end? Yes, but BALANCE is the key.

We also need to know when to back down. When it is a good idea to give in and let someone else have THEIR way. Now, I am not saying we should be wimps. There is a BIG difference between "wimpy" and "willing". And that is what we are gonna try to be today. WILLING!

And, aren't we Blessed? We have the very best example of willingness that there ever was to model ourselves after. Jesus Christ. Had He been stubborn, he would most likely have stayed in Heaven and left the rest of us down here to fend for ourselves. But, that would not have been the best choice for the ones that He loved (i.e.YOU AND ME!!). So, He WILLINGLY left His throne for a manger. He WILLINGLY gave up being supernatural to be one of US!! He WILLINGLY gave up the clouds to get his feet dirty, calloused and bruised. He WILLINGLY gave up sitting at the right hand of the Father to lay Himself in the hands of his accusers. He lived, bled, suffered and died, WILLINGLY, so that we might live with Him. He did it all because that was what was best for US. Because THAT is what love does.

And Christ's love for the church (us) is the model for a husband's love for his wife and a wife's respect for her husband. And this is our chance to start learning to be WILLING. Willing to let the other one win. Willing to do what is best for all involved ... not just ourselves.

Today's Dare

Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

This is a big one, and NOT an easy one, I know. I am praying for you. And I COMPLETELY believe that you can do this!!!! Do not give up on me now, we have come so far. It will get easier the more we work on these areas. And the end result ... Just keep your eye on the prize!

See ya tomorrow!!