Feelings are precious, but they are not enough
Attraction and the joy of being together are gifts, but feelings rise and fall with health, time, and circumstances. Mature conjugal love unites feelings, friendship, reason, will, the body, and a decision to remain faithful.
Christian love does not mean enduring every behavior. Patience goes with truth; forgiveness does not erase accountability; self-giving does not mean allowing the other person to control you or destroy your dignity.
Suggested reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and John 15:12-13. Translate each quality of love into one concrete action in the life of a couple.
Love must be learned
We love through what we saw in our families of origin, both the good and the imperfect. A couple can learn to listen, make amends, express gratitude, protect boundaries, and grow together instead of expecting the other person to read their mind.
When I am under stress, do I tend to attack, withdraw, appease, or try to control? Where was this response formed?
For one week, each day express specific gratitude for an action or quality of the other person; at the end of the week, share what made each of you feel loved.
References
Path progress
The Value and Meaning of Love
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