Marriages face more challenges today than ever before. I believe they hinge on one of two things: True romance or a ‘get by’ existence. Just getting by is a sure formula for problems in a marriage. It takes commitment, awareness and love to counteract the difficulties that couples face; especially with so many things competing for our attention.
The essence of true romance is not based upon a 50/50 proposition. It is giving 100% of oneself to their spouse. When both parties practice this significant value, the marriage is successful and the odds for failure are greatly reduced.
Keeping romance alive requires work, but the dividends are many. True romance extends deeper than a mere physical attraction to one another. It touches areas beyond what takes place in the marriage bed. True romance brings a deeper fulfillment and a broader meaning to the word commitment.
When a spouse is loved and appreciated by their mate, and the essence of true romance is expressed, the inner pleasures of a satisfied heart continue to blossom. When the honeymoon is over, a committed relationship will withstand the test of time and external influences.
Our relationship with God is much the same. I remember my encounter with the Holy Spirit and the excitement I felt when my sins were forgiven. It was a feeling of ecstasy when I sensed the Lord lifting the heavy burden of sin off my shoulders and the peace of God entered my soul.
The bond between God and me was like nothing I had ever experienced. It was an awesome awareness of a change that had taken place in my life. His love for me and my love for Him was inseparable. But like some marriages, the essence of true romance became cloudy and began to fade. An attitude of taking God for granted crept into the relationship and the enthusiasm lost its fervor.
I learned quickly in order to keep the connection fresh, alive and crystal clear, I had to do more than just receive God’s blessings. I needed to give of myself. It takes more than being on the receiving end of love to realize the essence of true romance. As a child is weaned from suckling, I too had to allow maturity to develop, which sustains an ongoing romance with God the Father.
Without prayer how can a Christian expect communication to flourish and a personal relationship with God to remain strong? Without reading the Bible how can faith reach its pinnacle of absolute potential? It takes discipline with a made up mind to serve God, and maintaining daily devotions to keep the essence of true romance alive.
If it takes two to tango, a two way romance is only logical when success is the desired objective. God is a jealous God and desires our love and affection. He wants to give, yet expects the same in return. We show our love by keeping His commandments. (John 14:15) “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
As we read the Bible we learn more about God’s love and the many ways we can please Him. True romance doesn’t just happen. As we work toward giving more of ourselves to God, a better understanding of His love is manifested to us.
The essence of true love is the art of giving love. When this is done, happiness, contentment and pleasure prevail. Nothing brings an intimate relationship closer together than learning how to give of oneself. True romance remains fresh and alive when giving becomes the focal point in marriages and serving God.
Jesus spoke these words in (Luke ). “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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