The Power of Love in Your Marriage
Have you ever wondered if love alone is enough to sustain a marriage? It's a question that has crossed the minds of many couples. Is there any doubt what our answer would be? Let's first explore the impact of love in a marriage and how it extends beyond a mere emotion. We believe that love is a choice, but first we have to define love. One of the best ways to define love is to use the four main Greek terms for love. Let's explore those four definitions and discover how each plays a vital role in building a lasting and fulfilling marriage.
Philia Love
Philia, often referred to as the love between friends, forms the foundation of a strong partnership. In marriage, it translates into companionship, shared interests, and genuine friendship. Cultivating philia love means cherishing the moments spent together, finding joy in each other's company, and truly valuing the friendship aspect of your relationship. Do you want a marriage that will weather any kind of storm? Embrace the philia love in your marriage and make your spouse your best friend.
Eros Love
Eros, is the first love that comes to many minds. Eros is the passionate and romantic, can't take my hands off of him or her love, that adds a spark to your marriage. It's that exciting, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling that ignites desire and intimacy. Eros love is often associated with the early stages of a relationship. The starry eyes honeymoon period. But eros love can be nurtured and kept alive throughout the years. There's nothing more romantic than watching a couple married for decades holding hands like their high school sweethearts. By making time for romance, expressing your desires, and being attentive to your partner's needs, you can keep the flame of eros burning bright.
Storge Love
Storge, the love between family members, is a profound force that binds couples together. It encompasses a deep sense of familiarity, comfort, and acceptance. Building storge love in your marriage involves creating a safe space where both partners can be vulnerable, understood, and supported. Vulnerability in a marriage often is difficult to achieve, but the freedom that comes with it is limitless. By nurturing this love, you can foster a sense of belonging and security that strengthens your relationship during life's turbulent ups and downs.
Agape Love
Agape, the selfless and unconditional love, is the pinnacle of love in a marriage. Unconditional is just that, unconditional! It's the choice to love your spouse every day, regardless of circumstances or flaws. It is the epitome of choosing to love. Agape love means putting your partner's needs before your own and seeking their happiness above all else. Guys, that means gladly getting out of the bed at 3:00 in the morning because she thought she heard a sound in the kitchen even though you know its just a dream. Ladies, that means loving him still the third day that week that he left his dirty socks on the floor. By embracing agape love, you create a foundation of trust, forgiveness, and unwavering support that allows your marriage to thrive.
Choose Love
While communication, intimacy, and finances may pose the most common challenges in a marriage, it is the power of love that helps us overcome them and any other roadblock along the way. Love is not merely a feeling; it is a choice we make every day, in some cases every hour. By embracing the many different ways in which you love our spouse, such as phileo, eros, storge, and agape, we can build a partnership that's built to last. So, the answer to the question, "Is love enough?" is a resounding YES! Choose love when it's easy. Choose love when it's hard. Choose love when you just don't feel like it. Choose love, and watch your marriage flourish into a beautiful journey of companionship, passion, acceptance, and unwavering devotion.