Day 4: Selfless Generosity

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Love is a lot of things. It’s kind and patient. It’s not proud or jealous. It isn’t self-seeking. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. All of the characteristics of love are essential to a healthy, happy marriage. And someone who is marriage material will embody these characteristics. They will show in how they treat you, how they speak to others, and how they spend their time.

So, how can you find someone who is all these things? Or how can you become someone who is all these things? Focus on the selflessness. A person who is marriage material is ready and willing to love their spouse selflessly, to give kindness and forgiveness without expecting anything in return, to be patient, and to persevere when times get tough.

Someone who is marriage material is willing to put their partner’s needs above their own. They are willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of their partner and the relationship. They are ready to embody love.

But this only works when a husband and wife are both willing to make sacrifices. If a husband makes sacrifices for his wife and a wife for her husband, both people will get what they need–they will feel supported and loved. If only one person gives selflessly without receiving anything in return, it won’t be long before that person depletes themself trying to love and serve their spouse. For a selfless marriage to work, both partners must be ready to love each other unconditionally. So, while you’re looking for someone who is wife or husband material, make sure you are wife or husband material, too.

A selfless marriage is built on the foundation of love and trust, ​​where both people know they can rely on each other for affection and support, no matter what life throws their way. When you see this quality in someone, it’s a good indication that they are husband or wife material.