We know the Bible says “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and that He loved us first. But if we’re honest, many of us spend more time wondering, “Does God really love me?” than asking the deeper, more revealing question: “Do I truly love Him?”

That’s the heart of today’s message. God’s love for you is unshakable, unchanging, and eternal. The real question is whether your love for Him is genuine—and if it’s showing up in your life the way true love always does: through sacrifice.

Maybe you’ve been a Christian for years but can’t remember the last time you felt God’s love. You’ve read the verses. You’ve prayed the prayers. But it’s like you’re in a spiritual drought.

The truth? Feelings aren’t the measure of His love. But there’s often a missing link when we feel disconnected from God—and it’s not that He’s holding back. It’s that our love for Him hasn’t moved from words to action.

Jesus said plainly, “If you love Me, keep My commands” (John 14:15). Love isn’t just warm feelings or goosebumps in worship—it’s obedience. And obedience requires sacrifice.

That sacrifice may look like:

• Giving up your comfort

• Laying down your need for control

• Surrendering your demand to understand everything before trusting

• Releasing opinions that don’t align with His Word

It’s the same principle in marriage—love grows deeper when it’s willing to lay self aside for the other’s good. Our relationship with Jesus is no different.

In Matthew 13:45–46, Jesus tells of a merchant who sold all he had to buy one pearl of great value. That’s what loving God looks like—letting go of everything else so you can fully hold onto Him.

You don’t get the pearl without selling all. You don’t experience the fullness of God’s love without the surrender that real love demands.

Some of us have had that powerful, early experience with God—a “honeymoon” season where His presence felt constant and overwhelming. But just like in marriage, the relationship matures. The emotions may not always be intense, but the love grows deeper as it’s proven through daily, intentional sacrifice.

If you want a fresh revelation of God’s love, start here:

1. Ask Him to show you where He’s calling you to surrender.

2. Choose obedience in that area—even when it costs you.

3. Trust Him with the outcome.

When you give Him your heart in this way, you’ll discover what you can’t manufacture through feelings alone: the deep, abiding joy of walking in step with His love.

Blessings,

The Delight Your Marriage Team

PS - If you’re ready to take the next step toward real transformation in your marriage, I’d love to invite you to a free Clarity Call. It’s a safe, judgment-free space to share your story, discover what’s been holding you back, and see if our program is the right fit for you. Don’t wait—your next season of connection, joy, and hope could start today.

PPS - Here is a quote from a recent grad:
"I have daily devotions now, I practice gratitude daily now. I have more confidence and less anxiety around people or stressful situation. I feel closer to God now...what could be a bigger impact than that?"

After nearly four decades of marriage, Kim and Russ had done the hard work. They had raised five children, invested in professional counseling, read marriage books, and sought spiritual guidance.

And still, something was missing.

The breakthrough moments they experienced through the years never seemed to last. They still longed for a deeper connection and the kind of love they had always dreamed of.

Kim felt emotionally unsafe for far too long. Arguments were frequent, and intimacy had become something to endure rather than enjoy. She said, “We spent tens of thousands of dollars on counseling… but nothing stuck.”

They had learned communication tools, gone on retreats, and practiced new habits—but it felt like patchwork. They both feared they’d never experience the closeness they longed for.

When a close friend experienced radical transformation in her marriage through our program, Kim and Russ took notice. Russ joined the men’s program first—not out of crisis, but out of conviction. He realized he hadn’t been loving Kim as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5), and he wanted to grow.

As Russ surrendered his old ways, Kim noticed a clear shift. He was more present, more loving, and no longer reactive. Over time, her heart softened too.

Though initially hesitant, Kim eventually joined the women’s program, encouraged by the changes she saw and her own desire to grow.

"I wanted to catch up," she shared with us.

What set this experience apart wasn’t just the information—it was the biblical framework, practical tools, and deep community that made lasting transformation possible.

Together, they:

• Ended their cycle of arguing

• Rebuilt emotional safety and trust

• Restored intimacy in every sense—physical, emotional, and spiritual

• Learned how to love and respect one another as God intended

Russ shared with us, "I’ve been in church all my life, but I never really learned how to live out Scripture in my marriage. This taught me how.”

Today, Kim and Russ say their marriage is “a 9 or 10.” Not because it’s perfect—but because they’ve been changed from the inside out.

They speak with laughter and warmth. They tease each other. They still work through conflict—but without yelling, shutdowns, or spirals that last for days or weeks.

Now? They hold hands again. They share their hearts freely. They support each other’s needs—spiritually, emotionally, physically.

Russ opens the car door for Kim every time. And she waits for him to do it.

The impact of their transformation has rippled outward—into their relationships with their grown children, with friends, and even in their church.

What used to feel tense or guarded has become relaxed. Warm. Full of grace.

When asked to describe their marriage today, each responded with one word: 'Delight' (Russ) & 'Thankful' (Kim).

That’s not where they began. But by God's grace—and a willingness to grow—they now live in daily gratitude.

For the peace in their home. For the tenderness in their marriage. And for the God who redeems all things.

Blessings,

The Delight Your Marriage Team

PS - Are you were Russ & Kim were before? 35+ years into marriage and feeling defeated and discouraged? You are not alone and your marriage story isn't over. Schedule a free Clarity Call to take the next step.

PPS - We are launching a Church Training pilot program this Fall! All the incredible material of DYM, created for weekly church trainings. It's going to change lives and we are so excited to see it! If you'd like your church to participate, check out our Church Training page for more info.

PPPS - Here is a quote from (another) recent graduate:
"Often my wife would complain that I wasn't listening, didn't understand her well, and that she was walking on eggshells all the time (that feeling was mutual). Even though we were good friends and we had regular dates and romantic times together, she didn't see any depth to 'us'...I realized that more than our intimacy, God wanted to meet me and change my heart…Finally God had my attention and He started working in many different areas of my life, that had just been swept under the carpet for far too long…[I] learned to truly put myself on the cross, to draw close to my wife and seek to minister to her needs first."