Love Dare- Day 2
Update on previous day:
Tanner and I had a lot going on yesterday, a girl he has known since child hood is Deployed and he hasn't talked to her in months, she finally callled yesterday and they Skyped. :) We got news that our youngest son would be home Wednesday, we got our new puppy Macie, and all in all it was a good day. Neither one of us said anything negative, and I never had an urge to.
Now for Day 2 you must remember that you not just doing Day 2- your adding to Day 1. So essentially as the days move forward we're continuing to build on the previous day.
DAY 2- LOVE IS KIND
Today the dare involves an act of kindness. Here is what the authors have to say during the chapter writing, “Kindness is love in action. If patience is how love reacts in order to minimize a negative circumstance, kindness is how love acts to maximize a positive circumstance. Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing. One is preventive, the other proactive. These two sides of love are the cornerstones on which many of the other attributes we will discuss are built.” (p.6)
This second chapter in The Love Dare goes on to say that kindness is gentle, helpful, willing to work on challenges together, and takes initiative. Think back-was kindness one of the qualities that attracted you to your spouse in the first place? The book reminds us, “It is difficult to demonstrate love when you feel little to no motivation. But love in its truest sense is not based on feelings. Rather, love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward. You will never learn to love until you learn to demonstrate kindness.” (p.8)
**Here’s the dare for the day, during deployment: In addition to making sure that you communicate nothing negative or hurtful to your spouse today, add at least one unexpected demonstration of kindness. Because you are separated by distance, something as simple as a kind word can be an act of kindness. Can you think of one thing for which to compliment your spouse? For example: “Thank you for taking care of things at home. You do a great job,” or “Thank you for defending our country. You’re doing a great job.” Even if you think your act of kindness might be met with suspicion, do it anyway.**
Here are some Scriptures to encourage you in truth:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. - Proverbs 3:3,4
An anxious heart weighs a man down but a kind word cheers him up. - Proverbs 12:25
A kindhearted woman gains respect . . - Proverbs 11:16
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. - 1 Thessalonians 5:15