Someone asked me what “love” was, so I looked it up. In I Corinthians 13, love is described as being patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast. It is not rude or selfish. It doesn’t get offended or keep score. Love is not happy when bad things happen, but it is happy when the truth is told. Love protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.
To me, this is the definitive guide. I know when I am loved by this standard, and I know when and/or if I am being loving. Love is not a warm fuzzy feeling. In fact, at times, it has nothing to do with feelings. In fact, there are times when loving is the last thing we feel like doing. Especially if we don’t have time or we are upset at someone who needs to be loved. Then, love is a decision to act a certain way even when we don’t feel like it. Love is doing something that someone else needs when they need it done.
Just a simple act of kindness can calm a trouble heart. Using good manners does not cost a dime, but it is a priceless gift and tells someone that they are important to you. You know the drill: please and thank you. Just saying “Excuse me” in the supermarket acknowledges that the person you walked in front of is a human being.
Words are cheap. Time is expensive. We are all busy, and we are often consumed by our problems, our needs and our goals, but it doesn’t take much to take an hour and ask a family member how they are doing and to wait for an answer. Spending time, with youngsters and oldsters, says “I love you.”
We all know people we have to tiptoe around because they are so easily offended. These days being offended has become a hobby. And we know those who never forget anything and who are happy to remind you about it. A loving heart actually feels compassion for an enemy experiencing a disaster. This heart actually rejoices when people without understanding finally have their minds opened to the truth.
