Introduction to the Love Dare
Kendrick
RECEIVE THIS AS A WARNING. THIS FORTY DAY JOURNEY
CANNOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.
IT IS A CHALLENGING AND OFTEN DIFFICULT PROCESS, BUT
AN INCREDIBLY FULFILLING ONE. TO TAKE THIS DARE
REQUIRES A RESOLUTE MIND AND A STEADFAST
DETERMINATION.
IT IS NOT MEANT TO BE SAMPLED OR BRIEFLY TESTED, AND
THOSE WHO QUIT EARLY WILL FORFEIT THE GREATEST
BENEFITS. IF YOU WILL COMMIT TO A DAY AT A TIME FOR
FORTY DAYS, THE RESULTS COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND
YOUR MARRIAGE.
CONSIDER IT A DARE, FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE DONE IT
BEFORE YOU.
The Scriptures say that God designed and created
marriage as a good thing. It is a beautiful, priceless
gift. He uses marriage to help us eliminate
loneliness, multiply our effectiveness, establish
families, raise children, enjoy life, and bless us
with relational intimacy. But beyond this, marriage
also shows us our need to grow and deal with our own
issues and self-centeredness through the help of a
lifelong partner. If we are teachable, we will learn
to do the one thing tha is most important in marriage
-- to love. This powerful union provides the path for
you to learn how to love another imperfect person
unconditionally. It is wonderful. It is difficult. It
is life changing.
This challenge is about love. It's about learning and
daring to live a life filled with loving
relationships. And this journey begins with the person
who is closest to you: your spouse. May God bless you
as you begin this adventure.
But be sure of this: it will take courage. If you
accept this dare, you must take the view that instead
of following your heart, you are choosing to lead it.
The world says to follow your heart, but if you are
not leading it, then someone or something else is. The
Bible says that "the heart is more deceitful than all
else" (Jeremiah 17:9), and it will always pursue that
which feels right at the moment.
We dare you to think differently -- choosing instead
to lead your heart toward that which is best in the
long run. This is a key to lasting, fulfilling
relationships.
The Love Dare Journey is not a process of trying to
change your spouse to be the person you want them to
be. You've no doubt already discovered that efforts to
change your husband or wife have ended in failure and
frustration. Rather, this is a journey of exploring
and demonstrating genuine love, even when your desire
is dry and your motives are low. The truth is, love is
a decision and not just a feeling. It is selfless,
sacrificial, and transformational. And when love is
truly demonstrated as it was intended, your
relationship is more likely to change for the better.
Each day of this journey will contain three important
elements:
First, a unique aspect of love will be discussed. Read
each of these carefully and be open to a new
understanding of what it means to genuinely love
someone.
Second, you will be given a specific dare to do for
your spouse. Some will be easy and some very
challenging. But take each dare seriously, and be
creative and courageous enough to attempt it. Don't be
discouraged if outside situations prevent you from
accomplishing a specific dare. Just pick back up as
soon as you can and proceed with the journey.
Last, you need to journal to log what you are learning
and doing and how your spouse is responding. It is
important that you capture what is happening to both
you and your mate along the way. In your private
journal (just between you and God) record your notes.
They will record your progress and should become
priceless to you in the future.
Remember, you have the responsibility to protect and
guide your heart. Don't give up and don't get
discouraged. Resolve to lead your heart and to make it
through to the end. Learning to truly love is one of
the most important things you will ever do.
"Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But
the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).
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