He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9
The word intimacy not only means a close, familiar or personal relationship, but one that also has detailed knowledge or a deep understanding of the person involved. When two people are married, they not only share their lives, but they bring all of their wants, desires and their secrets. God is the only one who knows more about you or your spouse. Psalm 139 says, “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all” (Psalm 139:2-4). God knows EVERYTHING about us, yet He still loves us to the depths of our souls.
Intimacy doesn’t just happen. It is something that needs to be nurtured. If the intimacy in a marriage has been damaged, it will take time, lots of prayer and God’s grace for it to be re-established. By taking part in the Love Dare, you are making a commitment to nurturing and growing that intimacy. are you willing to accept who your mate is at this moment?
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.
At the end of the day, answer these questions:
1. How much of an effort is it for you to hold back from saying something, critical or otherwise?
2. What have you learned about your spouse today, simply from listening?
Congratulations! You have completed Day 17! Tomorrow’s dare is Love Seeks to Understand.
