This book has the same strategy as Keller's The Meaning off Marriage, and even The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. It is really an unpopular attitude in this world of self seeking fulfillment at any expense to relationships. The idea of giving everything you have is seen as unhealthy and emotionally ill. Some have the opinion that being in extensive service for others is foolish. The Christian devotion goes against the grain of every contemporary attitude like this. It speaks on sacrifice, service, unconditionally. This is the language of this book. As I went through its pages, I realized that there is basic psychology there. We love what we invest in. When our marriage falters, our society champions its demise in the name of self serving happiness. The Love Dare appeals to giving unconditionally. By investing in another time and again even when the other negates our worth, love still grows in proportion. Give "in spite of", serve "regardless", and there is joy. If you are not religious, this book still has value by turning self-focus away and showing love through giving even when it is not received. Love the love dare and dare to find joy in tireless giving to another....regardless. QUICK HIT – Originally conceived as a companion book to the movie Fireproof, The Love Dare has found a life of its own and is transforming marriages.I will freely admit that, unlike a lot of evangelical Christians, do not and have not fawned over the Kendrick brothers’ movies. Fireproof was a nice, small-budget Christian film with so-so acting, a rather preachy script, and some over-the-top sappy moments. It wasn’t a great film, but it was a film that knew its audience well and has been the most popular of the Kendricks’ canon.But while I can pick on the film for its theatrical averageness, I cannot deny the overwhelmingly positive effect it has had. In the film, the main character is challenged, or dare I say it, dared to go through this forty day marriage evaluation. Going through the book transforms his marriage and inspired a real-life book and thousands of real-life transformations.The Love Dare’s original publication coincided with the movie’s release and instantly became a bestseller, staying on the NYT list for—get this—three entire years. That’s…well, that speaks for itself. This new revised edition is more than just a new cover meant to sell more books. The authors add content, strengthen the writing, add new concepts, and provide more resources and actual reader responses as encouragement.Take this book as a forty day marriage devotional. Each day encourages you to specifically do one thing for your significant other. Here are some examples:Day 25: Love Forgives – Whatever you haven’t forgiven in your mate, forgive it today.Day 33: Love Meets Sexual Needs – If at all possible, initiate sex with your husband or wife.Day 5: Love is not Rude – Ask your spouse to tell you three things that make him or her uncomfortable or irritated with you.Above all, the purpose of The Love Dare is to renew intimacy and love in marriage by fostering communication, understanding, and empathy. It is a replacement of priority from the self to the spouse, a looking after their needs, an understanding of their perspective, a selfless love that gives rather than demands. Each devotional entry lasts about four pages and provides a space for reflection at the end of each entry.I’ll be honest…I don’t fully understand the hype—The Love Dare is solid advice but it’s nothing revolutionary. I think the combination of the movie’s popularity with the step-by-step nature of the book have contributed to its popularity. Whatever the case, if you’re a married person, you can and will benefit from this book.
What do You think about The Love Dare (2009)?
My husband and I are slowly but surly making our way through this book, sometimes taking days to complete one challenge due to schedules and such. We are loving it! We have only completed the first 11 days (in about a months time) so far, but if nothing else comes from it as we finish, it was worth it! Lots of fun to start right after our 10th wedding anniversary and has been challenging us to change is so many ways, building a much stronger and godly marriage and rekindling the fire from our earlier days. Highly, highly recommend!
—qiqelinden
It was great to really put some focus on my marriage for (about) 40 days. I will say that this book is probably more meaningful and helpful for someone who is having a rough time in their marriage... and most helpful for a marriage in which one of the spouses is considering divorce. The dares especially seemed fitting for a "desperate times call for desperate measures" scenario. That being said, even those of us in great marriages can definitely benefit from this book. :)
—Aerielle
I got a lot out of this- learning to love with intention instead of waiting for the feeling.
—missmoodyme27
