7 Principles for Having a Marriage of Purpose

Principle 6: Unconditional Love

The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) uses two different words to describe and define love. The most commonly used Greek word translated "love" in the New Testament is "agape." This love is represented by God's love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love probably best exemplified by God's provision of His Son's life for our sins.

Unconditional love is the kind of love spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13; patient, kind, overlooking faults, not rude, not self seeking. This "true love" is the type of love that comes with no string attached. After the initial passion when you first meet someone has subsided, unconditional love takes over. You accept that your partner is not perfect but that doesn't cause you to run to the hills - that is real love. You know that they are not infallible. But you dont mind that. You still love them. This is unconditional love. When this kind of love exists in marriage it transcends the emotional, lust filled love of one's youth. It opens the door for new communication, new commtiment, and new understanding.

Take the time to love your spouse with the agape love of God that goes past the surface enabling you to look deep into their heart and love them for who God has made them to be despite their faults and shortcomings.

Cheryl Lacey Donovan is an Award-winning author, Bible teacher, and licensed Evangelist, Cheryl's books, CD's, and devotionals are not meant to only entertain, but to also minister to and encourage others.

Keith Donovan is a husband, father, son, and most importantly a man of God. He endeavors to emulate the image of Christ as he forges his way through life.

Keith and Cheryl have been married for seventeen years and have three grown children and one grandson.

Their new book Do You Still Do What Happens Happily Ever After can be pre-ordered by visiting Peace in the Storm Publishing. To learn more about them visit their website Do You Still Do Marriage

7 Principles for a Marriage of Purpose

Principle 5: Forgive and Forget

There's no doubt about it the closer the relationship the more severe the pain of the offense. But it is important to understand that the offense is harmless unless we allow it to take root in our spirit and grow. Jesus Himself told us in Luke 17:1 it's impossible not to be offended in this life. Therefore the question isn't will you be offended but how you will deal with it when you are offended.

Forgiveness is an essential expectation marriage but it comes with a counterpart and that’s forgetting.. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:14-15. This is a commandment with a promise. If you desire forgiveness from God you must learn to forgive. That includes your husband. But it’s forgetting in marriage that can be downright impossible. How can you be expected to forget the horrible words, the devastating arguments, or worse yet, the affair? Truthfully, there is no cut and dry answer to this question. Only God can give the courage and strength to truly forgive from your heart. But it is important to remember that when you don’t forgive the only person you are hurting is yourself.

Forgiveness is the only cure for offense. When we forgive we release the power of God to bring good out of a bad situation.