I can't believe I didn't name the last post "Love Potion No. 9." Oh well. I really dug a New Wave of British Heavy Metal cover of that song by a band called Tygers of Pan Tang. They had it going on with their Cage album. I remember writing a letter to the editor about that one into Campus Life Magazine. I was a backslidden prodigal son at the time (we're talking 1982, but who's counting?), as they had printed a negative review of the album. I wish I had that letter in front of me, just so I could groan at my immaturity. I took the time to rant about backwards masking, which I referenced the "Stairway to Heaven" claims by these anti-rock ministers as subtly saying, "My sweet Satan," which I thought sounded more like "use cyran wrap." I don't think they ever printed my letter. That's funny and embarrassing.
Day 10 here will signify one-fourth of the Love Dare. Today's chapter is about love being unconditional. It mentions what some husbands might say if asked, "Why do you love your wife?" And what some wives might say of the same question about their husbands. The guys might mention her beauty, her sense of humor, her inner strength, her kindness, how good of a mother she is, etc. The wife might bring up her husband's good looks, his personality, his steadiness and consistent character, his generosity, etc. But the question is posed, "What if, over the course of years, if your spouse stopped being ALL of those things? Would you still love them? Based on the previous answers, the only "logical response" would be no.
The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this: Love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love.
This made me realize that the vows of a wedding ceremony that most of us have memorized - "...for better, for worse, in sickness and in health..." - are an imprint of the Bible's principles of love upon our culture.
If someone chooses to love unconditionally, then there is no "falling out of" that love. This chapter goes on to state how, if a marriage is built (or rebuilt) on "agape" (unconditional) love, the the responsive love of friendship and such will likely grow and blossom as a result.
Today's Dare:
Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse - something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.