‘This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love; Christ gave up his life for us. That’s why we ought to live sacrificially for each other and not just be out for ourselves. If we see each other needing something and have the means of doing something about it, but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to love? It disappears! My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.’ 1 John 3:15-18 MSG
Comment
The human heart is a fist sized muscle that beats from dawn to dusk 365 days a year for 60-90 years pumping oxygenated blood round the body to make everything work! If it stops, everything stops.
We have made the heart a symbol of undying love, appearing on every valentine card! It’s a picture of lasting commitment! Love is the engine for living. It’s the engine for a marriage. But it’s not a ‘fluffy pink feeling’ that comes and goes. It’s like the hard working compact muscle that never gives up or takes holidays until the end!
Prayer (as a couple)
We don’t think about our hearts very often; we just trust them to keep beating! Let’s pray for the heart of marriage:
Lord God, you made our hearts for hard work. Let the love in our marriage be the same: Always working, always motivating action and tenderness. Help us protect each other’s hearts from injury or strain. Help us keep our togetherness healthy so we do not risk other’s. Thank you for our love. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Lord God we pray for our friends _____ and _____ Give their love strength and resilience and help them express tenderness and commitment to each other this week. Amen.
Final Quote
Love is more than a feeling, it’s a choice and an action.
