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Hey everybody, today we are happy to bring you the first of many book reviews to come. Throughout the reviews you will notice that many of the books, Christen and I will both give a review. I think this will give us a unique opportunity to have two different opinions on one book. Of course, over time we will also do individual reviews as well. As always, we would love any suggestions for a particular book you would like reviewed. Also, after five years of Description:
Too many marriages end when someone says "I've fallen out of love with you" or "I don't love you anymore." The Love Dare
discusses how these statements reveal a lack of understanding about the fundamental nature of true love.As featured in the popular new movie Fireproof
, from the team that brought us the #1 best selling DVD Facing the Giants
, The Love Dare is a 40-day guided devotional experience that will lead your heart back to truly loving your spouse while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love. Each reading includes Scripture, a statement of principle, the day's "dare," and a journaling area and check box to chart progress. Dare to take The Love Dare, and see your marriage change forever.Review:
When our small group decided that we were going to read The Love Dare as a group, I must admit, I had my doubts. This is a book that I imagined to be an extremely personal experience between two people. I wasn’t too sure about sharing how well we had done the Dare’s. Now that we have successfully gone through all 40 days, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the book, but also the group study of it as well. Our days fill up quick, and it was nice having a level of accountability to The Love Dare.
The book really felt like it broke down into three parts. The first part starts out as rather simple ways of showing affection for your spouse that we simply forget to do because of our busy schedules. To put it bluntly, you basically realize all the things that you’re really not that great at anymore. Whether it be preparing a special meal for the two of you every now and then; or simply biting your tongue when your spouse irritates you. These dares, although they require the most physical effort, will turn out to be the easiest really.
The second part of the book takes more of an inward focus. It establishes through scripture the fact that our God loves us with all of our imperfections. He never holds back his love from us simply because we have not loved him. Here, we learn what true love really is- love that is about commitment, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Yet, most importantly, that it is a choice and not a feeling. A choice that has been exemplified by Jesus Christ.
The final part of the book dares you to take what you have learned and work with your spouse, not only as you build a relationship with each other, but a relationship with Christ. You will quickly find that your relationship with God directly affects your relationships on earth. Love never fails. That is probably one of the boldest things ever written. Love never fails. God never fails. As humans, we lose our way sometimes and let each other down. But if you and your spouse truly seek out the Lord together, your love will not fail. This He has promised.
Recommendation: I highly recommend The Love Dare to any couple, whether newlyweds or those in the retirement home together. There is no wrong time in a marriage to read this book. If you and your spouse commit the The Love Dare, your marriage will not go unchanged. If your spouse is unwilling to take the challenge, I dare you to take this journey and see if you can love as God has.
-Raleigh
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