As we approach Valentines Day on tomorrow, I wanted to share some simple wisdom about love. There are businesses, books, movies, and careers based on helping others find love, share love, and understand how to demonstrate love others. The one best description, I have ever read on love is as follows:

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV)

That is the standard of love for which we strive. Love is perfect. However, we are not perfect in our demonstration of it. So when you say you LOVE someone, stop and consider if your actions towards the one you profess to love is as described above. If not, make a change and do better. Demonstrate the love you have for others not just on the holidays, but everyday. Reach out to your Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, dear friends and let them know you care. Further, demonstrate it with acts of kindness, for example a card, a letter, a phone call, a visit, and forgiveness, where needed. I realize for some of us this may take courage. Know that when we act out of love, God protects our hearts, as well. I pray that this Valentines day is not just about the material gifts, but focused on the love that we share with each other. May God Bless you and your loved ones! Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXO

Marva