Present Your Bodies: 5 Ways to Spice Up Your Love Life

Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1–2 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We understand that this is not a scripture that is commonly referred to when talking about marriage, but we believe it should be and here’s why.

How you treat those closest to you reveals more about your relationship with God than anything else, period!

I can tell that some of you are struggling to believe that so let’s read more of what Paul wrote.

Romans 12:3-5

Romans 12:3–5 NIV

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

For married couples, that means that although we play different roles as husband and wife, we are still one body, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health...

Imagine how horrible it would be to be attached to someone for the rest of your life that treats you like they hate you? There are things about my own body that I do not like, I may even be able to honestly say I hate certain things about my body, but not enough to hurt myself.

The fact that I’m balding does not tempt me to cut off my head. No matter how much weight I gain, self mutilation will never be an option. Why? Because I love me enough not to hurt myself. And I don’t know you but I can tell by the fact that you are still breathing and in one piece, that as much as you may not like certain things about you, you still love yourself in spite of it.

Now, it’s important to remember that your spouse is also a child of God which means that this scripture as well as the next verses we are about to read applies to you and your spouse and as a believer, you are responsible to the instructions given in this letter.

And if you’re not a believer, you should know that this advice is principle driven which means that it will work for you too.

Romans 12:9-21

Romans 12:9–21 NIV

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Everyone take a deep breath because that was a lot to take in. Now exhale and thank God that these instructions are written down for you to reference whenever you don’t know what to do when life hits your marriage.

Because, let’s be honest. As much as you love your spouse, life happens. Over time, beauty fades, tastes changes, bellies grow and gas stinks. But that doesn’t mean that your marriage has to.

5 Ways to Spice Up Your Love Life

And so today, we want to share with you 5 ways to spice up your love life! Trust me, it will all make sense. So if you’re ready, grab something to take notes with and let’s go.

1. Guard what you hear Romans 10:17

Romans 10:17 NIV

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

That means paying attention to not just what people are saying, but who it is that is saying anything about your marriage. If they have a horrible marriage, or if they can’t seem to keep one in tact, you need to tell them, “No disrespect, but I cannot take marital advice from you.” Set boundaries to guard your hearing.

Now, as a couple, you are also responsible for what you are saying to each other. If you want to spice up your marriage, choose your words carefully. Husbands, tell your wife things she likes to hear. If she looks good, say so. Talk about the good times and celebrate her accomplishments, no matter how big or small they are.

And ladies, get comfortable with stroking your husband’s ego with your words. He needs to hear you say that he’s the best man you’ve ever known. Does he make mistakes? Sure. But you married him so there must have been something about him that was better than the others. And even if he was the only one to show interest, thank him for seeing in you what nobody else did.

In essence, minus the pillow talk, what you say about or to your spouse should never be anything less than what Jesus would say about your spouse. As Paul wrote in

Romans 10:17 NIV

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

What your spouse hears determines what he or she believes. What they believe determines what they do. What they do will affect your marriage every single day. So spice up your marriage by using words that enhance your love life.

2. Take time to smell the roses// Proverbs 27:9

Proverbs 27:9 NIV

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

3. Keep your eyes on your prize// Proverbs 18:22

Proverbs 18:22 NIV

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.

Comparison is the enemy of contentment.

4. Oh taste and see! Song of Solomon 4:11

Song of Solomon 4:11 NIV

Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

5. The Way You Make Me Feel! Judges 16:19

Judges 16:19 NIV

After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him.