Romance is at the heart of the universe. It is the key to our existence. As Christians, we are engaged to Jesus, ruling with Him now, and soon to become His bride (Rev. 21:9; 3:21). So let's learn the principles of romance!

Just as our earthly romance with our spouse is composed of acts of endearment, so is our romance with the Lord Jesus Christ. We covered the ingredients of a good marriage in this blog, now let's apply them to our romance with the King of Kings. These concepts are from the Four Gifts of Love® Online Institute and their website is highly recommended.

Comparing Our Earthly and Heavenly Romance

  Earthly Romance Heavenly Romance Heavenly Romance Journaling
1 Affection Worship Do I come before You in worship?
2 Sexual Fulfillment Spiritual union Am I aware of Your union with me?
3 Intimate Conversation Sharing intimately Am I sharing the intimate things with You?
4 Relational Companionship Abiding in Christ Do I welcome Your presence in my fun times?
5 Honesty and Openness Honesty and openness Am I always honest and open with You?
6 Physical Attractiveness Care of my body/temple Am I caring properly for my body?
7 Financial Support Tithes and offerings Am I giving tithes and offerings?
8 Domestic Support Care for neighbors Am I supporting those in need?
9 Family Commitment Committed to His family Am I committed to Your body here on earth?
10 Adoration Adoration Am I adoring You?

Four Gifts of Love®

  Earthly Romance Heavenly Romance Journaling Question
1

The Gift of Care is a willingness and effort to do what you can to make the other happy.

 Is my lifestyle making You happy? Is there anything You would like to see adjusted?
2

The Gift of Protection is a willingness and effort to do what you can to avoid making the other unhappy—to avoid being a source of unhappiness.

 Am I being careful to not make You unhappy? Is there any area I could improve?
3

The Gift of Honesty is a willingness and effort to do what you can to make everything about you transparent to the other.

 Am I being fully transparent with You? Is there any area I am hiding from You?
4

The Gift of Time is a willingness and effort to give daily time to provide the most meaningful acts of care for the other.

 Is there anything You would have me do to show how fully I care for You?

Avoid the Love Busters which are repeated behaviors causing unhappiness

  Love Busters Heavenly Romance Journaling
1

Selfish Demands: Attempts to command your spouse to do things that would benefit you at the expense of others.

 Do I demand things of You which would benefit me at the expense of others?
2

Disrespectful Judgments: Attempts to “straighten out” others' attitudes, beliefs, and behavior by trying to impose on him or her your way of thinking through lecture, ridicule, threats, or other forceful means.

 Do I challenge You and Your ways and Your love and care for me?
3

Angry Outbursts: Deliberate attempts to hurt others because of anger, usually in the form of verbal or physical attack.

 When I get angry, do I say things that are hurtful to You?
4

Annoying Habits: Repeated habits that unintentionally cause your spouse to be unhappy. These habits include personal mannerisms such as the way you eat, clean up (or don’t!), and talk.

 Are there things I do unintentionally which make You unhappy?
5

Independent Behavior: Behavior conceived and executed without much consideration of your spouse's feelings. These behaviors are usually scheduled and require thought to complete.

 Do I do things on my own without checking to ensure I have Your peace in my heart first?
6

Dishonesty: Failure to reveal to your spouse the correct information about your thoughts, feelings, habits, likes/dislikes, personal history, daily activities, and plans for the future.

 Do I fail to share with You my thoughts, feelings, likes/dislikes, and plans for the future?

The Love Bank

Make deposits into your Divine Lover's love bank every day!

A list of the above journaling questions can be downloaded here.