He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.Â
1 John 3:16
As we’re drawing closer to the end of this Love Dare series, the dares get more intimate, if you will. It’s no longer just about you doing things and praying that your husband will notice, but about truly engaging your husband. Today’s dare tackles the topic of sacrifice.
So many times it’s easier to put our wants and needs first and not think about our spouse. But in order to have a successful marriage, you need to be aware. You need to try to be one step ahead of your spouse. Instead of thinking reactively, think proactively. However you are feeling about your marriage, odds are, he is feeling it too. However you are feeling about finances or lack of time together, he is probably feeling it too. As soon as you start seeing signs that your spouse is struggling, pulling away, seek him out.
“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me” (Matthew 23:35-36). Jesus wants us to see our spouse’s need before they say it, and provide.
Some questions from the book:
Is he “hungry” – needing you sexually, even when you don’t feel like it?
Is he“thirsty” – craving the time and attention you seem to be able to give everyone else?
Does he feel like a “stranger” – insecure in his work, needing home to be a refuge and sanctuary?
Is he“naked” – frightened or ashamed, desperate for the warm covering of your loving affirmation?
Is he feeling “sick” – physically tired and needing you to help guard him from interruptions?
Does he feel in “prison” – fearful and depressed, needing some safety and intervention?
After coming out of the valley with my husband, I understand that there were signs, things that I felt were going on in his heart and mind that I chose to disregard, because I felt the same way. Instead of looking at myself, I should have sought my husband out. But I didn’t. We didn’t. Now years later, I am always on alert for those signs and when I see them, I jump at the chance to seek him out. I know what is at stake.
Today’s dare.
What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse’s life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
At the end of the day, answer these questions:
1. How much of your mate’s stress is caused by your concern or lack of initiative?
2 . When you expressed a desire to help. how did they receive it?
3.  Are there other needs you could meet?
Congratulations! You have completed Day 28! Tomorrow’s dare is Love’s Motivation.
