Love is an action verb. Whitney Houston had a hit song that asked, "How will I know, if he really loves me?" The answer in the song was, "It's in his kiss." Poor Whitney. She was a great talent with a life full of sadness and struggle that led to a tragic end.
A kiss? Cute and fun, but not the real answer. A kiss can be everything from electric and hot ... to tender and warm. A kiss is a sweet expression of affection. Real love requires more effort.
The Bible is full of lessons about loving. We just need to pick it up. Here is an amazing list that we can highlight in our bibles with red hearts.
*Listen without interrupting. Proverbs 18
*Speak without accusing. James 1:19
*Give without sparing. Proverbs 21:26
*Pray without ceasing. Colossian 1:9
*Answer without arguing. Proverbs 17:1
*Share with honest affection. Ephesians 4:15
*Enjoy without complaint. Philippians 2:14
*Trust without wavering. 1 Corinthians 13:7
*Forgive without punishing. Colossians 3:13
*Promise without forgetting. 1 Samuel 20:23
These scriptures are amazing reminders of what it means to actually act out in love.
The photo is from my son and daughter-in-love's wedding. Hello love! It was a perfect greeting when they looked at her shoes for the entire day. From first look... to kicking them off at the end of their special day. What a tremendous message it sent! I smile to think she might pull them out again on a day he is making her crazy, just to remember love is welcoming, love is a choice and yes... love is a decision.
It is still the season of weddings and anniversaries. We have three more weddings in the next month. Each one is unique and special because the couples are unique and special.
One couple is choosing love again after different kinds of losses, making it extra sweet, beautiful and courageous. One couple found each other in high school and finally get to say "I do", although they have been one in heart for many years. The third share that sweet, new love that says, "I found you!". Finally. After waiting and praying for God's best in their lives, they get to join together before Him in love. Yes, each of these three weddings will be beautiful and sacred as they invite Jesus to the wedding and to strengthen their marriage.
I love being in love... 33 years together and 31 wed. Trust me, we are NOT perfect! Far from it. Still, there can be joy in the challenge of choosing love daily and intentionally. The Love of My Life is good at it. His actions speak louder than words every day. I say the words with ease, but have to remember to choose my actions wisely and guard time for us.
Love should never be taken for granted. It is a gift and earth days are numbers. The blessing of one to share those days is just that... a blessing. Work the "10 ways to love" list and it will add peace, joy, gratitude and fun to your days. It will improve relationships.
Note... this list can be applied far beyond marriage and family. Use it at work, at play and in the grocery store. Love changes everything. Love intentionally.
Today, I am grateful for a list of 10 Ways to Love.
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