Key Bible Verse: "Place me like a seal over your heart, or like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, and its jealousy as enduring as the grave" (Song of Songs 8:6). Bonus Reading: Song of Songs 8:6-7

It's no surprise that women need to feel loved. What is a surprise is that buried inside most women—even those in great relationships—is a latent insecurity about whether their man really loves them, and whether the relationship is okay. You and I have every right to think the woman we love shouldn't feel insecure. We're faithful, we go to work, we do love her … and we're still here. But whether or not she should know logically that she's loved is irrelevant. If she doesn't feel loved, it's the same for her as if she isn't loved.

Because a woman cares deeply about her man, when this relational insecurity is triggered, her concern is very painful—sometimes, almost debilitating—and it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to get off her mind until it's resolved.

The solution is simple: Reassure her of your love. This is especially important during conflict, or when she is being difficult. If she's upset, realize she doesn't need space—she needs a hug. If she needs to talk about the relationship, do your best to listen without becoming defensive. When you need space, reassure her that it's not about her. Continue to pursue her in the ways you did when you were dating.

—Jeff Feldhahn in For Men Only

My Response: Has the woman in my life shown signs of distress recently? How should I respond?

Thought to Apply: I like not only to be loved, but also to be told that I am loved.—GEORGE ELIOT (female's pen name)

Adapted from For Men Only (Multnomah, 2006) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You designed male and female to complement each other. Help me mesh with Your design.

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