Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and you want to show your spouse the love hasn’t faded – but how?
It’s easy, almost too easy, to run out and buy a cheap card with some general love poem inside a red envelope promising lovey-dovey emotions.
You can buy chocolates at any pharmacy or gas station and flowers at any grocery store – so why not try something a little more inspired this year?
The Bible is full of inspiration to show love for your spouse. There is no one way to reveal your true feelings but here are five amazing ideas sure to leave your lover’s heart fluttering:
Give a Little More
Okay, we already said simple gifts are cliché but giving a little more doesn’t necessarily mean more physical gifts.
Romans 2:4 says God’s kindness leads us to repentance, meaning kindness leads us closer to the Lord.
Kindness also leads us closer to one another.
Does your spouse struggle with day-to-day errands and chores? Are the kids driving your spouse crazy? Pitch in a little more this Valentine’s day and show your husband or wife that you take their feelings into consideration.
Show them you know they struggle and you’re grateful for their daily attempts. This is definitely something you can offer your spouse more often than just Valentine’s Day.
It can be something small, like throwing your laundry in the basket, which your spouse has been bugging you about since you got married! Or doing extra chores without being asked.
These little gifts don’t go unnoticed and will guarantee your spouse feels the love.
Hug and Kiss Each Other
Psalm 85:10 reads, “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”
Now the Scripture’s meaning of “kiss” isn’t exactly what we’re going for here but it’s definitely related. When we love our spouse and remain faithful, we create a bond of righteousness and pace for our relationship.
What better way to show that special connection than by closing the gaps and showing our passions for each other? Especially if you have children or are busy with work, school, Church or community events. When was the last time you hugged your spouse just because you love them? What about a kiss beyond a simple “hello” or “goodbye” peck?
This Valentine’s day, take a few minutes to show your love with a sincere and passionate embrace. God gave us a spouse to love and to “hold” so get out there and hold ’em!
Work as a Team
Sometimes years of marriage separate people from each other. Children, jobs and outside circumstances come between people and suddenly instead of standing together against the world, a man and wife stand on opposite sides of a chasm.
1 Corinthians 11:11 tells us men and women are not to be independent of one another.
So how do you bridge the gap?
One simple way is to avoid a pointless argument by agreeing with your spouse. Maybe she says she wants to go out for burgers but you want Chinese food. Rather than fight for your way, give this time and tell her you’ll go for Chinese next time.
Maybe he wants to watch an action movie but you’ve been waiting to watch a comedy. Talk about it and say you’re willing to watch one if he watches the other with you later.
Compromise is a huge part of teamwork. If everyone got their way, no one would be on the same side. The next time you and your spouse encounter a decision to be made, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, try working together constructively.
Consider the pros and cons of one decision versus another. Talk about what you like and don’t like about it. Then listen to what your spouse has to say. Too often we walk into a conversation knowing what we want and don’t even listen to what our spouse has to say. Consider their feelings and considerations as well, then make a decision together.
Say the Words
How often do you tell your spouse you love them? How often do you say, “I love you” and actually mean it, as opposed to throwing it at the end of your phone calls?
Romans 12:9 tells us love is to be genuine. We must hate all that is evil and hold tightly to that which is good.
Genuine love is shared through words and actions, so say the words! “I love you!” Pull your spouse into an intimate embrace and say the three little words the secular world has taken for granted for years.
Put real emotions behind the words, look your spouse in the eyes, and honestly tell them how you feel.
No matter what sort of day your spouse has had, hearing they are loved is deeply meaningful and can make all the difference.
Give Yourself Joyfully
One of the greatest gifts God bestowed upon married couples is the gift of sex. Many have perverted this beautiful gift from the Lord but remember, 1 Corinthians 7:4, which says neither husband nor wife has authority over their own bodies, but must yield them to their spouse.
Physical affection is a pristine gift from the Lord to his children. Share this gift with your spouse and show them your love in the most ancient way possible.
