Love Dare

Keeping with the theme of the post below...

Guys, I'm sure every wife would love to have you ask her these questions this V-Day. Go for it! Embrace the humility of the cross and allow your wife to speak truth into your life for the sake of the health of your marriage and your personal sanctification.

(Ladies, you pick a different time and do that same).

For some of us guys, the prospect of actually doing this is a horrific thought. Let me break it down like this. If you are a Christian, then you have acknowledged your need for a Savior. If you have acknowledged your need for a Savior then that implies that you are a sinner. If you acknowledge that you are a sinner who knows his Bible then you know that you still have indwelling sin that needs to be checked. Who better is there to see this than the woman you live with 24-7? If you are Christian, then to have someone point out your sin should be no big shocker or a means for defensiveness. Why be defensive and surprised when the Christian faith you embrace tells you that you are a sinner. So if we are true gospel loving Christians, we can be quick to ask forgiveness and repent when someone lovingly acknowledges our sin, for we know this is the reason our Savior died. We are secure in his love, so we can also be secure when our wives help us see our sin. Our identity is not bound up in false illusions of martial perfection, but is firmly bound up in the fact that God is my Father and we are his sons. You are free to have your sin acknowledged and you'll be much better for it!

Take the Love Dare and see how God will bless you through it.

C.J. Mahaney:

Gentlemen, here is a gift you can give to your wife this week. Set aside a few hours of uninterrupted time, and ask her to honestly evaluate your personal example of godliness and your leadership in the home.

I dare you to ask her this question:

• Where do I need to grow in serving and leading you?

For bonus points, ask this question:

• Where do I need to grow in serving and leading the children?

This one conversation could initiate dramatic changes in your life.

After you’ve talked to your wife, I would encourage you to relate the details to a fellow elder, pastor or friend. Invite their questions and observations and make yourself accountable to them for application. This step will weaken pride and cultivate humility. Because God gives grace to the humble, this is a very smart thing to do. In fact, it would be stupid not to, since God opposes the proud.

I double dare you to ask your wife that question.

(HT: Doug)