Love in Action: Choosing Love Every Day

“Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” —1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

I’m knee-deep in dirt, wrestling with stubborn weeds in our first home’s backyard. It’s hot, I’m frustrated, and I’m ready to chuck the shovel. Then my wife, Brie, kneels beside me, calmly pulling weeds, and says, “We’ll get there together.” That moment wasn’t a grand gesture—it was love in action. And it’s the heart of Chapter 2 in Happy Marriage, Happy Life.

Love Isn’t Just a Feeling

Society sells us love as butterflies and rom-com moments, but real love? It’s a choice. A daily, intentional, Christlike decision to show up, even when you’re tired or ticked off. Chapter 2, “Love in Action,” unpacks this truth, drawing from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Galatians 5:22-23 (the Fruits of the Spirit). It’s about building a marriage where love isn’t just felt—it’s done.

I share the story of a wealthy client who showered his wife with gifts but controlled her with criticism. Their marriage was crumbling until he chose humility and kindness—real love. That shift restored trust and intimacy. It’s a reminder: no app, trend, or bank account can replace Christlike character.

What Does Love Look Like?

Chapter 2 breaks down love’s practical side with examples like:

• Patience: Tom pauses instead of snapping when Lisa forgets an appointment, saying, “Let’s fix it together.” That grace reduces conflict and builds calm.

• Kindness: Sarah, exhausted from parenting, cleans dishes for James and leaves a note: “I appreciate you.” He plans a special evening, and warmth returns.

• Forgiveness: Mia lets go of Lucas’ past mistakes, saying, “Let’s start fresh.” That choice restores closeness.

These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness) in action, creating a home where both spouses feel safe and valued. Research from Positive Psychology backs this up: practicing kindness and gratitude boosts emotional health and relationship satisfaction.

Sow Love, Reap Intimacy

Think of your marriage like that backyard project. It’s not about one big date night—it’s about daily choices: patience when you’re irritated, kindness when you’re drained, forgiveness when it’s hard. These acts tend the soil of your relationship, growing joy, peace, and connection.

Chapter 2 offers practical tools, like reflection questions (“When does your patience wear thin?”) and the “Sowing and Reaping Principle,” to help you cultivate these habits.

Why This Matters for You

If your marriage feels stuck in tension or disconnection, Chapter 2 is your guide to choosing love as a verb. It’s not about waiting for your spouse to “go first”—it’s about showing up with Christlike character and watching your home transform. Want to learn how to make love a daily habit? Happy Marriage, Happy Life shows you how.

Visit HappyMarriageHappyLife.com to explore more tools for a thriving marriage and get your copy today!