Principle 5: Practice Committed Love.

UNCOMMON WISDOM

Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. . . . May you always be captivated by her love. —Proverbs 5:18-19

UNCOMMON PRACTICE

Take a few moments to select one of this week’s practices to explore further. The related Adventure Application appears just below each practice. If you’d prefer to come up with a different way of living out that practice this week, feel free to discuss what that might look like.

Be willing to step up and do a little more than usual when the situation requires it.

Marriage is not a fifty-fifty proposition. It requires a 100 percent commitment from each spouse. What can you do this week to begin to demonstrate that you understand and are committed to that in your marriage?

Seek to keep your romance alive, but be aware that it’s normal for feelings to fluctuate and change over time; don’t let unrealistic expectations of constant romance diminish your commitment to—or satisfaction with—your relationship.

This week, sit down with your spouse and discuss how your love for each other has changed and grown stronger through the years. Take a few minutes to express gratitude to God and to each other.

Show the world that you are your partner’s greatest fan.

Look for an opportunity to say something positive about your wife or husband this week, both privately and publicly. If you’re tempted to criticize him or her, take a minute to weigh your words before you speak.

Care for the needs of your spouse’s family as an expression of your love for your husband or wife.

Do you need to reach out to help someone in your spouse’s family? Don’t wait to be asked. Offer to do something for that family member and then make sure you follow through. Not only will you be loving as Christ commands us to be, but your spouse will be grateful and feel loved.

Build an uncommon marriage by staying focused on each other and allowing God to lead you.

As stress piles up, it can be more difficult to keep the focus off ourselves and our own problems. Take a few minutes to honestly consider where you are when it comes to turning your concerns over to God and leaning on your spouse for the support you need. Then bring any frustrations you feel to God in prayer.

Rest in the assurance that God, who promises never to leave or forsake you, knows what’s ahead for your family.

What are you facing that you can’t seem to see through or over or around into the next day? Remember that God hasn’t gone anywhere; He will continue to fight for you as you wonder and stand ready to move ahead. What can you do today to keep that truth in mind—and just stay calm?

UNCOMMON PRAYER

Take a few minutes to discuss any praises and needs you’d like to bring to God as a couple. Then, in addition to praying about those things, use one or more of the following prayer prompts to ask for God to deepen your love for and commitment to each other.

Praise God for designing you to enjoy intimacy with your spouse and for inviting you to enjoy that close relationship with Him as well.

Confess the times when your words or actions have not lifted up your spouse and perhaps have even cut him or her deeply.

Ask God to show you if there are ways you should be reaching out to another family member.

Thank God for walking with you through any trials you are currently facing.