The Love Dare: Episode 5, Day 5, Love is not Rude

Test yourself with these questions: • How does your spouse feel about the way you speak and act around them? • How does your behavior affect your mate’s sense of worth and self-esteem? • Would your husband or wife say you’re a blessing, or that you’re condescending and embarrassing? If you’re thinking that your spouse—not you—is the only one who needs work in this area, you’re likely suffering from an undiagnosed case of ignorance, with a secondary condition of self-centeredness. Remember, love is not rude but lifts you to a higher standard. Do you wish your spouse would quit doing the things that bother you? Then it’s time to stop doing the things that bother them. Will you be thoughtful and loving enough to discover and avoid the behaviors that can cause life to be unpleasant for your mate? Will you dare to be delightful? Here are three guiding principles when it comes to practicing etiquette in your marriage: 1. Guard the Golden Rule. Treat your mate the same way you want to be treated (see Luke 6:31). 2. No double standards. Be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers, friends, and coworkers. 3. Honor requests. Consider what your husband or wife has already asked you to do or not do. If in doubt . . . ask. TODAY'S DARE Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only. ____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare. What things did your spouse point out about you that need your attention? How did you handle hearing it? What do you plan to do to improve these areas?