Talking about “The Nature of Christ's Love”
When we consider the love of Christ for the church, we see qualities that we should strive to replicate in our marriages:

• Sacrificial Love: Christ’s love was selfless; it was willing to endure pain and sacrifice for the good of others. In our marriages, we are called to put our partners’ needs above our own. This is not always easy, but it is essential. Love is not merely about feeling good; it is about making choices that put the welfare of our spouse first.

• Unconditional Love: Christ’s love for us knows no bounds. He doesn’t love us based on our performance or behavior. Instead, He loves us simply because we are His. As spouses, we are called to love unconditionally. This means accepting each other’s flaws and imperfections, just as we have been accepted by Christ.

• Commitment: Christ’s commitment to the church is unwavering, and so should our commitment be to our spouses. In a culture that often views marriage as disposable, we must challenge ourselves to view it as a lifelong covenant. When difficulties arise — and they will — let us remember that commitment is what helps us to overcome.

Understanding the Challenges of Love in Marriage

• Communication: In Ephesians 4:29, we are reminded, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Poor communication can damage the foundation of a marriage. We must strive to communicate openly, honestly, and lovingly.

Ask yourself: How are you speaking to your spouse? Are your words building them up, or tearing them down?
Challenge: Make a commitment this week to speak words of life into your spouse. Compliment them, encourage them, and share your appreciation openly.

• Resolving Conflict: In Proverbs 15:1, we read, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Conflicts in marriage are inevitable, but how we handle them yields powerfully different outcomes. Instead of escalating tension, choose to approach disagreements with gentleness and grace.

Challenge: When conflict arises, take a step back. Approach the situation with the intent to understand rather than to win. Have those difficult conversations, and do so with love at the forefront.

Growing Together in Love
The journey of growing together in love. Marriage is a living, breathing entity that requires nurturing. If we take on the mindset that our marriages are a living thing which means like most living things if we leave it to fend for itself eventually it will become malnourished and die. Just like you wouldn’t let your child, a person, animal, or any other living thing die, we shouldn't let our marriage die in the same way. 
How do we do this?

• Praying Together: In Matthew 18:20, Jesus reminds us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” There is incredible power in praying together as a couple. It aligns our hearts and reminds us of our shared faith.

Challenge: Schedule regular time to pray together. Share your burdens, dreams, and thanksgivings. Pray not only for each other but for your marriage and your family.

• Serving One Another: In Galatians 5:13, we read, “Serve one another humbly in love.” Serving is a profound expression of love. It’s about seeing what needs to be done and stepping in without being asked.

Challenge: Find one way to serve your spouse this week — whether it’s a small act of kindness or taking over a responsibility. Make service a habit in your marriage.

• Cultivating Gratitude: Let’s not overlook the importance of gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are encouraged to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” A grateful heart sees the beauty in the ordinary and cherishes the moments that make up our lives together.

Challenge: Start a gratitude journal, jar or board with your spouse. Something visible for the both of you all to view it. Write down the things you appreciate about each other and share them regularly.

10 BIBLICAL POINTS
Love in marriage, according to the Bible, is deeply spiritual and rooted in God’s design for relationships. Here are some key biblical points:
1) Love is Selfless (Ephesians 5:25) – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” True love in marriage mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love.

2) Love is Patient and Kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) – Biblical love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, and always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.

3) Marriage Reflects Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32) – The union of husband and wife is a picture of Christ’s relationship with His Church, emphasizing unity and commitment.
4) Respect and Submission (Ephesians 5:22-24, 33) – Wives are called to respect their husbands, and husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, creating harmony in marriage.

5) Faithfulness is Essential (Hebrews 13:4) – “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” Love in marriage includes loyalty and faithfulness.

6) Love Covers Imperfections (1 Peter 4:8) – “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Forgiveness and grace sustain a healthy marriage.

7) Two Become One (Genesis 2:24) – Marriage is a spiritual bond where two individuals unite as one, signifying deep emotional, physical, and spiritual intimacy.

8) Bearing Each Other’s Burdens (Galatians 6:2) – Spouses are to support and uplift one another in challenges, just as Christ bears our burdens.

9) Words Have Power (Proverbs 18:21) – “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Speaking love, encouragement, and blessings over a spouse builds a strong marriage.

10) Prayer Strengthens Marriage (Ecclesiastes 4:12) – A threefold cord—husband, wife, and God—is not easily broken. Praying together invites God’s presence into the marriage.

10 NATURAL POINTS:
Love within a marriage is about more than just feelings—it’s about commitment, effort, and mutual respect. Here are some key points:

1) Commitment Over Feelings – Love in marriage isn’t just about emotions; it’s a choice to stay committed even when feelings fluctuate.

2) Effective Communication – Open, honest, and respectful communication strengthens emotional bonds and prevents misunderstandings.

3) Acts of Service – Small daily gestures, like making coffee for your spouse or helping with chores, show love in action.

4) Quality Time – Spending intentional time together—whether through date nights, deep conversations, or shared hobbies—keeps the connection strong.

5) Physical Affection – Simple acts like holding hands, hugs, and kisses maintain intimacy and closeness.
6) Respect & Appreciation – Acknowledging and valuing each other’s efforts fosters a positive and loving environment.

7) Forgiveness & Grace – No marriage is perfect; being quick to forgive and show grace keeps love alive.

8) Shared Goals & Dreams – Working toward common aspirations strengthens teamwork and deepens the partnership.

9) Support in Tough Times – Love is tested in difficulties, but standing by each other during hardships strengthens the bond.

10) Keeping the Spark Alive – Surprise gestures, love notes, and intentional romance help prevent stagnation in the relationship.

Marriage is one of the most sacred gifts we have. It has the power to reflect the love of Christ to a watching world. We don’t want to settle for a shallow understanding of love but strive for a deeper, more meaningful connection in our marriages. Our love should challenge us, inspire us, and ultimately draw us closer to our Christ.
Love like Christ. Serve like Him. Forgive like Him. Grow together in His grace.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage. Help us to love our spouses as You love us. As we pray for love in our marriages let us remember the scripture I Cor. 13:4-8. Grant us wisdom in our communication, strength in our commitment, and grace in our disagreements. May our marriages be a reflection of Your love to the world. Help us both to continue pursuing God together, as a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Help us to focus on the biblical principles our relationship is built on. Help us to surround ourselves with other marriages who represent your love in marriage. 
Lord help us to maintain the purity in our marriage. Lord, we are trusting that your plans for us are good, to give us a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). We will continue to consider you in every decision in our marriage. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.