Love, Intimacy and Sex in the Second Half of Marriage: Part 1 - LOVESample

Love is Cherishing

There is something special about cherishing someone and wanting to be cherished by them in return. To me, it is the image in Ephesians 5:29, which describes how a husband cares considerately for his wife, as Christ cares for the Church. It is a word picture that conveys gentleness, kindness, and peace. It is looking out for your spouse and their needs as much as you look out for yourself.

I have wanted this in our marriage since the beginning. Nancy has too. It is a mindset that is fulfilled with words, actions, and behaviors. It is being eternally grateful for the gift of your spouse in marriage. Proverbs 31 says, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies…” Your spouse is a gift from God, not to be taken for granted. We are to embrace that gift and are also accountable to Him in how we handle that gift.

Maybe “cherishing” is a new thought for you concerning your marriage. If it is, do you see value in building this in your marriage? Maybe you see it in your marriage today, but you just never put a label on it before.

Here are some ways to cherish each other:

• See your spouse as a gift from God. Don’t ever lose sight of that truth.
• Each day, thank God for your gift. Ask Him to guide you in your role as a husband or a wife.
• Pray each day to see your spouse through God’s eyes.
• When you feel cherished by your spouse, thank them.
• Let your spouse know how much he or she means to you with your words and your actions.
• Surprise each other with something special at unexpected moments.
• Say “I love you” to each other every day.

In Genesis 2:24, God instructs that each spouse shall leave their father and mother—their family of origin—and become one flesh together. That is cherishing one another above everything but God in your life.

Nancy and I were sitting side by side on a loveseat on our patio the other night. We were doing little more than just sitting close together. It was a special moment. We were cherishing each other without saying a word.

Things to Think About:

• Use the list above and begin cherishing each other today.

Next Steps:

Learn more on this topic in the next plan in this series: Love, Intimacy and Sex in the Second Half of Marriage: Part 2 - Intimacy.

Was this plan helpful? At Awesome Marriage, we here to help your marriage to thrive in every season.

Our Candy Land Intimate Game will help bring some fun back into the bedroom! Enjoy this fun bedroom game with your spouse. This printable includes instructions, printable game cards and board. Spice up date night with this delicious game ;)