Love in a Marriage

We all know that love in a marriage is super important. But love has gotten a little out of control these days, and the definition has gotten a little blurred and convoluted. We say "I love you" to our spouse, and then we turn around and say, "I love cheeseburgers." Obviously we don't feel the same love for cheeseburgers as we do for our spouse (at least I hope not!), but yet, we use the same terminology. What is the difference? Action. You don't display love for your cheeseburger in any way other than verbally saying it. With marriage, you must display love for your spouse, not just say it.

Most of us have probably heard the phrase "love is a verb." It reminds me of an old DC Talk song, "Luv is a Verb" for those of you who know the Christian band. The song says in one part:

Words come easy but dont mean much
When the words theyre sayin we cant put trust in
Were talkin bout love in a different light
And if we all learn to love it would be just right

Hey, tell me havent ya heard?
Luv, is a serious word
Hey, I think its time ya learned
I dont care what they say
I dont care care what ya heard
The word luv, luv is a verb

It is true though, love is not a noun, it is a verb. What does that really mean though? Well, true love is not just a fleeting feeling that comes and goes. It isn't just a flippant encounter or a one-foot-in-and-one-foot-out commitment. Love is a constant act of loving your spouse in all situations, when the emotional love comes and goes, when they deserve and don't, when you feel like it and don't...it doesn't stop working! Love is an action - one that each of us has to take each and every single day toward our spouse if we want our marriages to make it and be the best they can possibly be!

This week we will be looking at three different kinds of love that should exist in a marriage. They are:

1. Agape - unconditional
   
2. Phileo - compassionate & friendship
3. Eros - Passion & fire

When all three of these types of love exist and are cultivated in a marriage, you have this incredible relationship that is super fulfilling and exciting. So, join me in this week's journey through the 3 types of marital love!