Love–It’s More Than Just a Word

My Pastor is doing a series in church right now on loving your neighbor. Now, I’ll admit that I missed his first sermon of the series because I had a girls’ weekend in the Black Hills where I was spending time with two college friends that I haven’t seen in years! But, I was back in church for his second sermon of the series, and it was great!

Pastor’s sermon was focusing on the importance of connection with other people to help combat loneliness. He also discussed the need for true honesty and transparency, so we all get to really know each other. He was talking about love as an action and not just as a word.

Okay, so I’m going to be transparent. On my girls’ weekend, we did the Crazy Horse Volksmarch, and we did a 10K walk, with much of it being uphill. I struggled getting up the inclines a lot. Maybe it was because of the altitude; maybe it was because of the over 90 degree heat; maybe it was because. . . Really it was because I am out of shape. I warned my two friends that I would be holding them back, but they assured me it would be okay, and you know what? It was! Yes, I had to stop numerous times when going up the hills, but they were so kind and patient with me! That is love, and it was a wonderful weekend for us to spend time together! Both of my friends shared pictures of our weekend on Facebook, and they both mentioned how “time and distance” can’t come between us because of our true friendship and the love we have for one another! That kind of love is more than just a word–it is truly an action.

This past weekend, our church was able to put love into action. We had a serve day with various service projects that we invited people to be a part of. There were people involved in building beds for children in our community in need of beds; there were people putting together gift bags for cancer patients; there were people assembling Crisis Care Kits that go to those in need during various crises; there were people doing yard clean up at the church; and there were people preparing a lunch for all the workers. I was able to participate in serve day, and it was a blessing to serve with amazing people, working, laughing, and loving! 

Finding ways to spend time with others in a positive way really does help us connect with others and show the love! I Corinthians 16:14 says, “Do everything in love” (NIV). Everything everything? Like when I’m driving and when I’m working and when people are annoying me and when I’m shopping and . . . the list goes on. Yes–God’s word says to “Do everything in love.” Love is an action, and it’s an action that this world needs more of.

How can we show love to others? For me, I can smile more. I can open a door for others. I can send a text or an email to tell someone I’m thinking of them. I can look after someone’s cat when they’re gone on a trip. I can give someone a ride when their car isn’t running. I can give a hug to someone who needs one. I can spend time with someone who is feeling lonely.

Is there someone you can show some love to? Let’s put love into action this week and “Do everything in love.”

I love you, friends! Thanks for reading!

Julie