Love In Action

What does love really look like? Can you put it into words? Every February, we celebrate what many call the month of love. People spend billions of dollars on flowers, chocolates, and gifts to show their affection, especially on Valentine's Day. But beyond the cards and presents, what is love at its core? The apostle Paul gives us a powerful description in the book of Romans: "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor." These words are not just poetic—they offer a blueprint for how love should operate, especially in marriage. This is what I like to call Love in Action.

If you look up the word love in the dictionary, you'll find it listed as a noun. But in the context of marriage, love is far more than just a feeling or a thing. It's a verb. It's something we do, something we actively demonstrate every day. It's about showing honor to one another and putting love into practice through our actions.

Speak Your Spouse's Love Language

One of the most important ways to express this Love in Action is by understanding your spouse's love language. Everyone feels loved in different ways. For some, it's words of affirmation, for others, it's physical touch or quality time. My wife's love language is Acts of Service. While she appreciates a sweet card or a compliment, but if I really want to set the mood I need to grab a bucket and the mop! Now, I'm speaking her language. It's in these moments that love becomes real and tangible. Speaking your spouse's love language isn't always easy. Often, it's very different from how we naturally express love ourselves. In fact, it can be the complete opposite. That's why it requires effort and intentionality. But the payoff is enormous because it helps your partner feel truly seen and valued.

Forgive, Forgive, Forgive

Another essential part of Love in Action is forgiveness. Every marriage will face moments when one person hurts the other, whether intentionally or by accident. Think about the biggest mistake you've made in your relationship or the harshest words you've said. At those times, you likely wanted forgiveness. But love calls us not only to seek forgiveness but also to offer it freely. Forgiving your spouse may be one of the hardest things to do, but it's also one of the most powerful ways to show love. Just as we ask God for forgiveness when we fall short, we should extend the same grace to our partners. I am thankful for the times my wife has forgiven me, and I know it's only right to do the same for her.

I Love You, But Today I Don't Like You

We all have days when we look at our spouse and think, "I love you, but today I don't like you." It's normal to feel frustrated or annoyed with the person we are closest to. These moments test our commitment and patience. But Love in Action means choosing to love beyond those feelings and continuing to honor and respect your spouse even when it's hard. It helps to ask yourself, "Is this really the battle I want to fight?" Often, the small annoyances aren't worth damaging a relationship built on love and respect. Just as God's patience with us is unfailing, we can strive to show that same patience in our marriages.

Love In Action Challenge

Romantic gestures like candlelit dinners, flowers, and quiet evenings together are wonderful ways to celebrate love. They add sparkle and joy to a marriage. But Love in Action reminds us that love is much deeper than these moments of romance. It's about the daily choices we make to put our spouse's needs above our own, to forgive, to serve, and to honor. Are you ready to go the extra mile to make your spouse feel special, even when you don't feel like it? That willingness to love actively, consistently, and selflessly is the heart of Love in Action. It's what transforms ordinary days into a lasting, meaningful marriage. So here's my challenge to you. For the next week, when you wake up each morning, look at your spouse and then turn to God and ask "what can I do today to put my Love in Action?" Then at the end of the day, ask yourself, what did I do to put my Love in Action. Finally, as you wrap up the week reflect on how God blessed your marriage over the past 7 days because of your commitment to outdo your spouse by putting Love in Action!