The Love Dare

The Love Dare

The Love Dare is a 40-day Christian faith-based self-help and marriage counseling book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. It is designed to strengthen and improve marriage relationships. The book was first published in 2008 and has since become a bestseller, widely used by couples looking to foster a deeper, more committed relationship with each other and with God. The Love Dare acts as a daily guide, with each day presenting a new dare focused on improving the quality of the relationship.

Overview

The core concept of The Love Dare revolves around the idea that true love is a choice and an action rather than a mere feeling. The book is divided into 40 sections, each representing one day of the dare. Every day, readers are presented with a specific challenge that focuses on an aspect of love, such as patience, kindness, selflessness, and forgiveness. Alongside these challenges, the book offers scriptural references to support its teachings, making it deeply rooted in Christian faith.

Structure

Each day of The Love Dare starts with a statement or principle related to marriage or love, followed by a dare intended to be carried out by one of the spouses. The daily entries also include a biblical verse, a devotional commentary, and space for the reader to journal their thoughts and experiences related to the day's challenge.

Impact

The Love Dare has had a significant impact on many marriages, with numerous couples reporting improvements in their relationships after undertaking the dare. It has been particularly praised for its ability to foster open communication, understanding, and forgiveness between partners. The book's success led to its adaptation into a plot device in the 2008 film Fireproof, which further popularized its message and approach to strengthening marriages.

Criticism

While The Love Dare has been widely embraced, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that its approach may not be suitable for all marriages, especially those dealing with more severe issues such as abuse or deep-seated resentment. Others have pointed out that its heavily religious content may not appeal to non-Christian couples.

Legacy

Beyond its initial publication, The Love Dare has spawned a series of related books and a journal. It has become a staple in Christian marriage counseling and is often recommended by pastors and marriage counselors. Its principles have been incorporated into marriage seminars and workshops around the world.

See Also

• Marriage in Christianity
• Self-help books
• Christian literature