March 1 & 2, 2008

The need to feel loved by one’s spouse is at the heart of marital desires. A man said to me recently, “What good is the house, the cars, the place at the beach, or any of the rest of it, if your wife doesn’t love you?” Do you understand what he was saying? “More than anything, I want to be loved by my wife.” Material things are no replacement for emotional love.

However, most of us focus on “getting love” not on “giving love”. But Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Why not ask your spouse: “What could I do or say that would make me a better husband or wife?” Their answer will tell you how to love them most effectively. When you love them, they are more likely to love you.

Today's A Growing Marriage Daily content has been written by Dr. Gary Chapman and is based on the book The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishers, copyright 1992. Used by permission.