Recently I came across a helpful post on Facebook. Someone found ten specific ways to love in Scripture. As I pass them on to you, I offer a comment or two about each one….
- Give without expecting in return (Proverbs 21:26). Do you ever give a present or do a favor counting on someone to repay you somehow? It’s best to give with no strings attached. One way to carry this out is to do something for a needy person who is not capable of giving you anything in return except a smile.
2. Trust without wavering (1 Corinthians 13:7). Love means your reliance on someone is constant, not fickle. You believe that you can always turn to them for help. You are never suspicious about what they say or do. When you show someone trust, they are likely to live up to your good opinion of them.
3. Forgive without punishing (Colossians 3:13-14). Our instinct when someone hurts us or offends us is to pay them back somehow. Love lets bygones be bygones without retaliating. This may be a more valuable lesson than punishment.
4. Listen without interrupting (Proverbs 18). Out of respect for another person, we let them complete a sentence or thought with finishing it for them, or worse, contradicting them. This is especially important (and difficult) in the course of an argument.
5. Enjoy without complaint (Philippians 2:14). In the presence of a loved one, focus on their positive qualities and be glad for their love. Ignore their flaws and refrain from pointing them out.
6. Answer without arguing (Proverbs 17:1). If someone questions you in an accusing way about something you said or did and you feel like defending yourself, don’t. Or at least correct them calmly.
7. Keep your promises. (Matthew 5:37). Be a strong, sturdy support so that others know they can always depend on you. But don’t make foolish promises that you probably won’t keep.
8. Speak without accusing (James 1:19). Begin statements with “I” instead of “you.” Be gentle in dealing with others’ faults. Overlook mistakes, knowing that you make them too.
9. Be patient in all things (1 Corinthians 13:4). Keep your anger and frustration in check rather than hurting someone by your words or actions. This is challenging, especially if it involves a person you don’t like that much!
10. Learn to let it go (Ephesians 4:31–32). Avoid mulling over unpleasant encounters with another person. Don’t dwell in the past but live for the future.
Love brings about peace. Here is a unique rendition of well-loved song:
• What can you add to this list?
