Love Dare - Day 17: Love Promotes Intimacy

So, FINALLY I am able to put up day 17. I know this week has been hit and miss, and I apologize for that. I am actually going to try to put up a few days and then set them to post later. That way, if I can't get online, you still have your instructions for the day.

Here is hoping I can figure it out ;)

With that said, I am gonna dive right into today's dare and make good use of the time I have online!

"He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." - Proverbs 17:9

So, when you read the title of today, did you think you were gonna get lucky? 'Cause, I did:)

And, while that kind of intimacy is, indeed, very important in a marriage relationship, this kind of intimacy is even more important.

So, do you have a lot of friends?

What about close friends?

What about friends that you can tell anything and share your deepest thoughts and feelings with?

The number got a bit smaller each time didn't it? Well, it is supposed to. And I pray that when we got to the last question, there was only one name on your mind. That of the one you married. Marriage was intended to be a safe place to share yourself openly and freely and SAFELY. Your spouse is meant to be the one person who knows every part of who you are and love and accepts you in spite of everything. The one person you can count on no matter what!

Is that how it is with you and your love? Is that who you are to them?

Do you make your spouse feel that they can tell you anything and it will be safe? Or do they live in fear that you will shame them with all of their secrets and inadequacies? Remember the baggage that you brought with you when you married? Well, I pray that you found a safe place to unpack those bags - and I pray that you provided one for your love.

When Adam and Eve lived in the garden, they were "naked and unashamed", and that was not just physical bareness. They were emotionally naked and were able to be unashamed of who and what they were. Eden was a perfect world, and ours is not. I realize that. However, if we are basing our marriage on the relationship that Christ has with His church, we should be showing complete freedom and acceptance. NOT shame and accusations.

TODAY'S DARE

Determine to guard your mate's secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. REALLY listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.

Remember, love is a choice. So, CHOOSE to love your spouse no matter what. Even better yet, CHOOSE to allow them the safety to know that your love is there no matter what they share with you.

And, remember, I am praying for you!!!! Good luck and I will (hopefully) see ya tomorrow!