Valentines Day is quickly approaching and will be here before you know it. Men, let me encourage you to plan well and show the special lady in your life how much you love her. This week I want to discuss what love looks like in the world of marriage. Many of you know it can be tricky to maneuver the sometimes deadly minefields of marriage, so I’m going to give you some biblical pointers on the gift of love between a man and a woman.

First, every relationship must have respect. You must work to understand and appreciate his/her value.  Remind him/her of their capabilities and gifts and help them maintain their walk with God.  Be proud of your spouse, not out of duty, but as an expression of sincere admiration for the one you love and with whom you have chosen to share your life. (Ephesians 5:22-23, 33).

Next, let me encourage you to become best friends. It’s important that you develop mutual interests with one another.  Discover those activities your spouse enjoys the most and seek to become proficient in them.  My wife is a knitter, now I don’t knit, but I love to see the things she creates. I truly enjoy wearing the shocks she makes me; they are some of my very favorite! Tracy doesn’t like football, but it’s a prerequisite in our home! So my wife has become an excellent host for those special games I enjoy! The idea is to become your spouse’s best friend so that he/she repeatedly associates you with the activities he enjoys most.

There are no perfect marriages, they take work. It isn’t something you venture into lightly. I am confident, however, if you invest in you marriage it will go the distance and will be a blessing! You’ve heard the old adage, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”  I hope you do marriage well, together!

 “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death…” Song of Solomon 8:6