When Love Feels One Sided

Every marriage has seasons where one spouse feels like they are giving far more than they receive. Service goes unnoticed. Affection feels distant. Words land sharply. You long for closeness but feel alone.

Scripture speaks directly into this ache.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
~ Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Key truth: When love feels one sided, remember that Jesus loved us faithfully through every season of resistance.

Jesus understands this ache

Christ loved disciples who doubted Him, questioned Him, resisted Him, and abandoned Him. Yet His love remained steady.

Husbands are not called to perfection, but to reflect Christ’s faithfulness through the Spirit.

Love is patient, love is kind. It keeps no record of wrongs.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)

When you feel unseen

Sometimes your wife cannot respond to love because of stress, hurt, or exhaustion. It does not mean your efforts are wasted.

God sees every quiet act:

Nothing is lost with Him.

Guarding your heart from resentment

Resentment grows when we believe we deserve more than we receive. Grace reminds us that Christ loved us long before we loved Him.

Takeaway: You cannot control your spouse’s response, but you can always choose to love in a way that honors Christ.

A prayer for today

Lord, meet me in this difficult place. Remove bitterness from my heart. Strengthen me to love with patience and steady grace. Help me reflect the love You have shown me.