Rather than shopping for the perfect Valentine card, why not consider being the love letter this year? Afterall, actions speak louder than words printed in ink. What might being the love look like? To answer this question let’s probe the pages of Scripture.
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:12
Put Love Into Action
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16
February draws our focus to expressing love in tangible ways. Valentine’s Day is set aside to give loved ones chocolate hearts, roses, and various tokens of deep affection. All are good gifts. But, love must be sincere. To give from obligation invalidates love’s intent.
We’re Crazy About Love Stories
It’s rare to find someone who isn’t crazy about a good love story. Hallmark movies are a prime example. They garner a large viewing audience. Why? People feel good watching love win whether in their own relationships or on a movie screen.
How well we express love as God does is a good measures of our heart condition towards others. Love has many attributes. Not all of them easy to put into practice, but God will enable us to do so. Please take the highlighted portions to heart.
Love Expresses the Heart
- Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
- How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalms 36:7
- Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Love Delights
- Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices. Song of Songs 4:10
- If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. Matthew 5:46
- Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psalms 63:3
Love Forgives
- ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:31a
- Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9
- The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalms 103:8
The above nine tell us how love is meant to be expressed in daily life. Each one is an important component of how to love others best. The list is by no ways complete. But it is a good place to start being the love. Will you pray over each one, and consider where you are currently acting as an authentic letter of love and where improvement is needed? The payoff within our relationships is worth more than money can buy.
Prayer: Lord, You are love. Your grace is the greatest gift of love the world has ever known. Help us to embody Your example and love as You do. Fill us with divine determination to use our lives to be living love letters all year long. We lean on Your promises. Amen
Coaches Corner: Feelings can crowd out the ability to give or receive love. If you are experiencing this dilemma, that can change. A few sessions with a life coach could help you move forward. I’d be honored to come alongside you. The first 30 minute online session is always free. Contact me at https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/life-coach/.
*photo by Kelly Sikkema on unsplash
