Marriage Tips from Mike Woodard
I Love You. It’s a Gift!
Back in my single days a friend told me she loved me. I was surprised, awkward and did not know what to say because I did not love her in the same way. She was a dear friend but I was not “in love” with her. I will never forget her response. She said, “I love you, and it is a gift. I expect nothing from you.” Wow, that was profound. The unconditional nature of that statement set me free in the relationship, as we continued in the relationship as close friends.
In a relationship, unconditional love is hard to find, yet unforgettable when you do find it!
This gift freely given provides security to any relationship. Unconditional love in a relationship is characterized by a willingness to give to the other person unselfishly.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
– St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians (I Cor. 13:4-7)
Action: Does your love have lots of strings attached? Could you begin to live out truly unconditional love?
by Mike Woodard
Love that Lasts – by Mike Woodard
“Love That Lasts – 52 Insights for Couples is designed to add depth and richness to their relationships. This collection ofrelationship insights are intended to stimulate discussion, suggest practicalsteps and most of all to keep couples talking! Relational growth is proportional to our consistent soul connection. This book is motivated by a profound belief in the wonder and beauty of a God ordained intimacy between a man and a woman.”
Mike Woodard
Author, FamilyLife Canada
Further Reading:
Creating Affection, Warmth and Encouragement
I Corinthians 13 ~ The Way of Love