by Alicia Jones - June 18, 2019
Love…The Greatest of These
Love. It’s a beautiful word, isn’t it? It’s the cry of our hungry hearts. All of us—everyone—wants and needs love, even if they don’t admit it. However, I was reminded recently while watching a pretty cheesy chick-flick that love isn’t what the filmmaking industry always makes it out to be. Much as we love romance, a sweet guy with perfect hair who always says the right thing, and endless boxes of chocolate, those things aren’t the essence of lasting love.
Ultimately, our hearts are crying out for the love of our Abba Father. He alone can satisfy the longing of our soul and fill us with abiding love. After all, that is why He created us—for a love relationship with himself. Once we know that special love, our hearts are able to share it with others! 1 Corinthians 13 is full of special instructions on what real life, practical love looks like. I challenge you to read it sometime.
"But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
Ask God to help you not skim over the familiar words and really ponder what it is written there. And, on that note, here are a few practical ways you can show God’s love to someone!
- Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. It’s not as intimidating as most people think! Serve with a smile—and you will find it is you who is blessed!
- Spend just 5 minutes praying for someone and write a card letting them know you care! Cards not your thing? A social media message or email work too!
- Spent a little time putting an unexpected gift together for someone. A mug with a little package of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate works! Or maybe a gift card and a simple note. Gifts speak volume about our love, because they mean that we have spent time, money, and thought in investing in someone.
- Bless a busy mom or elderly friend by volunteering to pick up groceries, clean a room in their house, or watch a baby.
- Host a tea. It doesn’t have to be fancy! Just give some moms, teachers, little girls, or anyone you want the gift of peace, laughter, and relaxation. Remember, serving and hospitality are all apart of love!
- Pray for someone you really don’t like or have a conflict with. You may not be able to fix all the problems in that relationship. You may even have to put up boundaries and not really see them. But you can still pray for God to work and even to bless them. Consider setting one morning a week aside to do these things. Sometimes, practical love has to be scheduled in until it becomes a habit! And, remember, love is the greatest of all the spiritual gifts!
How Do You Show Practical Love?
Alicia A. Willis is a Christian Historical Fiction author, mother of two sweet babies (one in heaven and one on earth), ministry wife, and coffee connoisseur. When not doing research for her novels or teaching piano, she enjoys water colors, playing with her dogs, singing, and adventures with her hubby. Join her on social media or check out her website to learn more about her books and the ministry the Lord has called them to. http://www.aliciaannewillis.com/