The Love Dare

Well, yesterday, Beth mentioned something about going to the movie "Fireproof" and she highly recommended it to anyone who had not seen it. Well, I had seen it early on. One of the Pastors at Sherwood Baptist Church brought it to our church and showed the staff about 6 weeks ago. I loved it then and last night my wife and I went to the movie theatre and I saw it again. It was even more powerful the second time around. So in my blog today, I thought it might be good to just share the DARE with all (the two people)who read my blog. I really believe that God is going to do great and mighty things through this movie and I'm asking Him to do it even in me. What about you? Have you seen it yet? When you see it, will you apply it? Hope so.
Here goes:

THE SCRIPTURES SAY that God designed and created marriage as a good thing. It is a beautiful, priceless gift. He uses marriage to help us eliminate loneliness, multiply our effectiveness, establish families, raise children, enjoy life, and bless us with relational intimacy. But beyond this, marriage also shows us our need to grow and deal with our own issues, and self-centeredness through the help of a lifelong partner. (Now folks, I just have to stop here and confess, that I have messed up everything that you just read, big time). It goes on to say; If we are teachable, we will learn to do the one thing that is most important in marriage---to love. This powerful union provides the path for you to learn how to love another imperfect person unconditionally. It is wonderful. It is difficult. It is life changing.
This book is about love. It's about learning and daring to live a life filled with loving realtionships. And this journey begins with the person who is closest to you: your spouse. May God bless you as you begin this adventure.
But be sure of this: it will take courage. If you accept this dare, you must take the view that instead of following your heart, you are choosing to lead it. The world says to follow your heart, but if you are not leading it,then someone or something else is. The Bible says that "the heart is more deceitful than all else" Jeremiah 17:9, and it will always pursue that which feels right at the moment.
(Again, folks, I have messed up again, I thought following your heart was right and now I'm learning that I must lead my heart to do right. Wow, You never get to smart or too old to learn.)
We dare you to think differently---choosing instead to lead your heart toward that which is best in the long run. This is a key to lasting, fulfilling relationships.
The Love Dare journey is not a process of trying to change your spouse to be the person you wnat them to be. You've no doubt already discovered that efforts to change your husband or wife have ended in failure and frustration. Rather, this is a journer of exploring and demonstrating genuine love, even when your desire is dry and your motives are low. The truth is, love is a decision and not just a feeling. It is selfless, sacrificial, and tranformational. And when love is truly demonstrated as it was intended, your relationship is more likely to change for the better.
Each day of the journey will contain three very important elements:
FIRST, a unique aspect of love will be discussed. Read each of these carefully and be open to a new understanding of what it means to genuinely love someone.
SECOND: you will be given a specific dare to do for your spouse. Some will be easy and some very challenging. But take each dare seriously, and be creative and courageous enough to attempt it. Don't be discouraged if outside situations prevent you from accomplishing a specific dare. Just pick back up as soon as you can and proceed with the journey.
LAST: you will be given journal space to log what you are learning and doing and how your spouse is responding. It is important that you take advantae of this space to capture what is happening to both you and your mate along the way. These notes will record your progress and should become pricless to you in the future.
Remember, you have the responsibility to protect and guide your heart. Dont' give up and don't get discouraged. Resolve to lead your heart and to make it through to the end. Learning to truly love is one of the most important things you will ever do.

NOW THESE THREE REMAIN; FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE
1CORINTHIANS 13:13

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What a Word, What a dare! God help us all to love like you love.