Modeling God’s love during Valentine’s month and beyond! (Week 2)
“…love Him with all of your heart, with all of your understanding and with all of your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
– Mark 12:33
According to Hallmark, approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged industry-wide (which does not include packaged kids’ valentines for classroom exchanges). According to the National Retail Federation, the average person celebrating Valentine’s Day spent $143.00 in 2018. Cards bought for Valentine’s Day is second only to the number of Christmas cards that are sent yearly. On Valentine’s Day, people show their love by showering their beloved with gifts, in the form of cards, flowers or candy. I will use this column this month to celebrate God’s love by pointing out ways God’s people can model God’s love by being an example of the love that God showers upon us every day! This week I will share two examples of ways you can show God’s love to others.
Love others in small ways.
Love is priceless. Love can be expressed by a warm smile, a kind gesture, a call just to say hello, or a pat of encouragement on the back. Sometimes, all a person needs is to know that someone cares. This month, begin making a list of ways you can show love to others in small ways, then intentionally show that love to others.
Serve others.
This writer is passionate when it comes to serving others. When we sacrificially serve others, we show tangibly what God’s love looks like. Our love for others should not just be shown to those in our family and friend circles, but to those even around the globe. While serving and sharing with others may at times involve sharing monetarily, that is not always the case. Consider the following examples:
1. Assemble a care package for a needy family by using the items in your own kitchen cabinets.
2. Offer to clean the home of an elderly person or neighbor that is disabled or physically or visually impaired.
3. Invite a single person, widow or college student for a meal with your family. The fellowship alone brings joy to a lonely heart.
It’s never too early to teach children, youth and teens the joy of serving others. It is a concept that will stay with them for a lifetime. If you are looking for a resource for a small group study for your young people that includes outreach/service opportunities, I encourage you to obtain your copy of: A Gospel Generation: Bible Studies for Youth Around the Globe (Lester, Judith T., Townsend Press, Nashville, 2017). A Gospel Generation is translated in more than 100 languages and is available to youth/teen groups all over the world.
Beloved, as we celebrate Valentine’s Month, may you be inspired to show godly love to others as the love you show to others reveals to the world you are a God-follower!
A Prayer For You:
Dear God, serving and loving others is the least we can do to show our love for God. Pray that God will present you opportunities to model God’s love through service and loving others. Amen.
Next Week: Continuation
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. In some instances, this article contains the opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations of the writer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
According to Hallmark, approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged industry-wide (which does not include packaged kids’ valentines for classroom exchanges). According to the National Retail Federation, the average person celebrating Valentine’s Day spent $143.00 in 2018. Cards bought for Valentine’s Day is second only to the number of Christmas cards that are sent yearly. On Valentine’s Day, people show their love by showering their beloved with gifts, in the form of cards, flowers or candy. I will use this column this month to celebrate God’s love by pointing out ways God’s people can model God’s love by being an example of the love that God showers upon us every day! This week I will share two examples of ways you can show God’s love to others.
Serve others.
