Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 13, 2016
Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah. 1 Samuel 1:19
A radical romance is based on a rock solid relationship with Jesus Christ. When the Lord lights the flames of love between two faithful hearts, it’s heavenly. Their allegiance to the Almighty makes their allegiance to each other easy. Their love for the Lord ignites their love for one another. Their faith in God fuels their trust in each other. Their passion to know Christ produces a deep desire to know their lover’s heart. Radical romance flows from a radical worship of God.
A romance with radical results starts in the margins of our relationship with our spouse. Margin is the white space in our schedule that makes us available to support our husband or wife. She may sign up for a couple’s cooking class and would really enjoy your eager participation. He may love for you to accompany him to a sporting event, all decked out in his favorite team’s colors. Serve your spouse in a way they want to be served. Since it makes them happy, you are happy.
“Our Master [Jesus] said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting’” (Acts 20:35, The Message).
Radical romance comes to couples who intentionally invest emotional energy in each other. It is the prayerful art of administering comfort before injecting truth. It is confronting Christ with my own sin before I confront my spouse with their shortcomings. Romance is the fruit of being engaged with our mind, will, and emotions, as we communicate respect and value. Intimate encounters flow from encouragement. Radical love shows a lost world that faith in God works!
Most of all, be intentional in your time investment with one another. Perhaps you plan a long weekend to organize your calendar and budget for the next twelve months. Spend half your time working and the other half playing. Make it an annual goal to attend a marriage seminar. Study the Bible with other married couples and apply marriage best practices. Pray together for your children and aging parents. Radical romance blossoms from a radical resolve to love well.
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband” (1 Corinthians 7:3).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill my heart with unconditional love so I radically love my spouse.
Related Readings: Song of Songs 2:3; 1 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 5:23-33; Colossians 3:19
Additional resources for how to grow in your faith: Click Here
Post/Tweet today: Radical romance comes to couples who intentionally invest emotional energy in each other. #radicalromance
Worship Video: 4 minute music video- Talley Trio: Orphans of God
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YES IT IS…. <3 23 years and counting… <3
Dear Theresa,
Congratulations! That is wonderful – 23 years! Praise God for your marriage and the example you are setting with your marriage.
You and your husband sound like you may be what Boyd was speaking about when he stated “When the Lord lights the flames of love between two faithful hearts, it’s heavenly. Their allegiance to the Almighty makes their allegiance to each other easy”.
We are grateful for you two! Thank you for reaching out to us.
Blessings to you both,
Gwynne
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love
does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7