Love is a Choice

There I will give you my love.

Song of Solomon 7:12

Many times in a marital relationship we will feel love towards our spouses. However, there are other times where it’s difficult to love with hurt feelings. Yet, love is a choice, not based on feelings. As believers, we are given the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to love our spouses unconditionally. This love doesn’t make excuses for wrong; however, it does empower believers to show genuine love to their spouse. How does a husband or wife make the C-H-O-I-C-E to love unconditionally?

C – Call on God to help reignite love within your heart. (Psalm 51:10)
Agape love can be restored in broken marriages if couples would turn to God for healing and reconciliation. He knows the deepest desires that can turn the hardest of hearts soft again.

H – Hear and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:13)
God speaks to the hearts of those who are willing to walk in obedience even in times of difficulty. He will always lead to the way of truth and peace.

O – Offer your body as a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1)
Love and respect can be given to each other as a gift to the heavenly Father. The Lord honors our sacrifices to bless our marriages beyond what we could never ask nor imagine.

I – Invest the time, money, and energy into building a stronger marriage. (Galatians 6:9)
Strong marriages are intentionally driven by effort of both spouses. Every season of marriage may need something different to keep the flame of love alive.

C – Cast away every thought that diminishes the value of your covenant in marriage. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Satan and the worldly culture will throw every weapon at our minds to pull away from marriage. However, there is power available to overcome evil thoughts so that your heart and mind remain unfettered by temptation.

E – Expect that there will be difficulties, but resist a bitter and unforgiving spirit. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Living in a sinful world with imperfect spouses will present times of frustration. However, staying true to God in spirit, mind, and body will release us from the hindrances of bitterness.