Love & War by John & Stasi Eldredge

One thing you don't often hear in pre-marital counseling is that marriage is not only an act of love, but is also engaging in war. This book explains how it is necessary to fight for your marriage daily and in ways we don't always recognize.

The basic premise of the book is that we have an enemy and it is not our spouse. One of the greatest ways to love one another is to fight for each other daily. The authors show how this love is learned from God, who fights for us (and sacfrificed Himself for us!) so that we may experience His perfect Love. The story of man begins with marriage (Genesis 2:21-25) and it ends with marriage (Revelation 21:1-2, 9). And so the devil ferociously attacks marriage.

John & Stasi lovingly explain to readers the ways the devil most often attacks marriages: through unhealed brokenness in individuals; through agreements to his lies we make against our spouses (i.e. "He is always doing that...", "I can never trust him to..."); through sexual barriers; unforgiveness; lack of prayer. The best part is the authors also provide spouses with tools to use against these attacks. I love that they always turn the reader to prayer and intimacy with God, both individually and together with your spouse.

I found this book to be extremely practical; the authors provided tips and advice for how to apply what they write about. This includes everything from praying (example prayers written out in the back of the book) to conversation starters with your spouse. The authors also made the book interesting and relatable by including personal stories from their own marriage or experiences with couples they know. I especially enjoy that John and Stasi take turns writing about each topic so whether you are the husband or the wife, you have someone you can relate to....or learn from. They are writing as a married couple, not his story or her story.

I loved reading this book and plan to read through parts of it (if not all) again. I'd have to say John & Stasi Eldredge are my favorite authors on all topics related to marriage. Other great books by them are Wild at Heart and Captivating.

This book was not provided to me by any book review company. I purchased it myself and chose to write a view simply because I enjoyed it so much!