When I think about love and all it entails, I am reminded of the love chapter in the Bible—1 Corinthians 13. I would like to share part of that beautiful chapter with you: 

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave itself rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails….” (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a, NKJV).

This chapter says it all! Each day is filled with opportunities to put this exhortation into practice. Reach out to someone who is lonely. It might be someone at a skilled nursing care facility, a fellow church member, a person who is homeless, an unemployed acquaintance or a coworker. And don’t forget the needs of your neighbor. 

Look for someone to befriend. You will be blessed as much as those you care for. We need to see this demonstrated in our lives more than ever. Love is not always just a feeling; it is reaching out to others with the kindness of Jesus to meet the needs of their whole being. Sometimes that means letting go of preconceived ideas and truly looking at people with fresh eyes. 

Since February is the “love month,” let’s search for those who are feeling unloved and see how we can pour the love of God into them. Send a card or some flowers. If there are elderly folks in your neighborhood who live alone, stop by for a chat or to assist with a chore. Homeless shelters always need a hand as well. 

There are so many ways we can live out compassion. This month gives us a good reason to form the habit of giving back to others. Remember, love is eternal, for God is love. Have a perfect Valentine’s Day in our Father’s perfect love!

It would be wonderful to hear your stories of the ways you were able to reach out this month to love on others. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. 

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