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Key Bible Verse: Continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Bonus Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

What do you think of when you hear the word lover or the words making love? We've been brainwashed. "Making love" implies the sexual act, and in analyzing the phrase we find we're not really talking about creating or building or shaping love; we're talking about making sex.

When two people make sex outside of marriage without the responsibility and depth of nourishment of committed love, they are also making tears. They are making lies. They are making regrets. Sex can be a part of love, but it is not love.

How do we make love? In the case of couples, watch him washing dishes for them. He's making love. See how she runs errands for him. She's making love. Look at how the two keep confidences, support, and smile through the troubles they go through. They're making love. Witness his opening up his insecurities to her. He's making love. Hear her confront and encourage him. She's making love. Listen to them discuss the meaning of life. They're making love. The sexual act is designed to be bonding and sweet and luminous, but anyone knows the act is wasted unless the right stage is set and the actors know their parts.

—Chris Blake in Searching for a God to Love

My Response: A way I could make love to my wife is …

Thought to Apply: If you have unmet needs, instead of making demands or accusations, try to meet the needs of your partner. Love begets love. —Cecil Osborne

Adapted from Searching for a God to Love (Word, 2000) by permission

Prayer for the Week

O Christ, help me model the way I relate to my wife after Your sacrificial love for the Church.

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