My wife and I have been coaching couples with MarriageTeam for over a year now, and one of our favorite coaching exercises is called the “One Thing.” This exercise is rooted in Ephesians 5, which calls husbands and wives to respect one another and put each other’s needs first. The exercise is simple yet powerful: each spouse asks the other, “What is ‘one thing’ I could do this week that would truly demonstrate a sacrifice—putting your wants and needs above my own?”
I remember one couple we coached where the wife’s request was bold but heartfelt: “Take an additional day off work this week to be with the family.” Her husband, a small business owner, knew this would be a real sacrifice. Yet, he agreed.
The following week, we checked in. The couple admitted it was challenging, but something incredible had happened—this single act of sacrifice drew them closer together. The husband’s willingness to put his wife and family first communicated love in a way that words and gifts never could.
The Power of a Sacrificial Act
Scripture offers us a profound definition of love that goes beyond sentiment or romance. John 15:13 states: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This verse reminds us that the highest form of love is self-sacrifice. It’s echoed in 1 Corinthians 13, a passage often quoted at weddings: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking…”
This Valentine’s Day, alongside the chocolates and roses, what if we offered a different expression of love? What if we asked our spouse:
“What is ‘one thing’ I could do this week that would truly show my love through sacrifice?” A single, intentional act of selflessness has the power to deepen connection, build trust, and reflect Christ’s love in our marriage.
Abiding love is more than romance. Love that lasts involves sacrifice.
