Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised. (Song of Solomon 8:7, ESV)
Some of the most valuable things in life cannot be bought with money: respect, loyalty, trust, wisdom, happiness, true friendship. And love. We can’t write a check, whip out our Visa card, or even exchange cash for love. Some have tried, but it just doesn’t work that way. Love is not for sale.
Much has been written about love—songs, poems, books, love letters—but I’m not sure we will ever completely understand its depth or its complexity.
The other day I came across an acrostic that gives us four ways to demonstrate our love to others. These things are not profound, or even romantic, just meaningful ways to improve our relationship with each other. These four things work with spouses, children, friends, coworkers, neighbors—anyone in your life. Here is how we can show love every day to everyone.
LOVE . . .
Listens. Love not only hears the other’s words, but it also hears their heart. It seeks to understand how they feel and what matters to them.
Offers help. Love willing gives of its time. It’s there whether someone needs a box carried, help with a project, or a shoulder to cry on. (Read Galatians 5:13-14 and I John 3:16-18.)
Values. It recognizes the worth of all that they do. It values their talents, their abilities, their dreams.
Encourages. Love lifts others up during tough times and celebrates them in the good times.
First Corinthians 16:14 tells us, “Let all that you do be done in love.” It’s the glue that holds our world together. It is also part of our Christian witness. Think of the difference we can make in our relationships—our world—if we show love wherever we go.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35, ESV).
Here are suggestions that will help you discover more about the meaning of love.
- Demonstrate your love to someone today by listening, offering your help, valuing what they do, and encouraging them.
- Find verses of Scripture that describe the power of love in our lives.
- Write your own acrostic describing what you feel about love.
Comments are closed.