Love’s Big (and Worthy) Ask

This post commences a series on the Fruits of the Spirit. As we work to build a life built upon grace and grit, these nine fruits offer rich nutrition on our way to more spiritually healthy days.

As we have put a wrap on February, I am beginning with love. If you entered a retail establishment between January and February, you likely saw the displays of chocolates, cards and/or apparel just waiting to be included in Valentine’s Day celebrations. Don’t get me wrong – it can be a fun holiday. But, real love is more often found in commitment and connection than decorations or confections.

Real love looks a lot like the grace and compassion Christ offered to the people he met throughout his ministry. Jesus didn’t come bearing presents; he came to offer the gift of eternal life. He listened compassionately to the hurting and ailing, and didn’t turn away from those that society may have deemed unclean or unforgivable. In fact, he leaned in.

As I have navigated the waters of relationships – as a wife, parent, family member and friend – I have learned that love is a lot more about showing up time and time again and not placing expectations around reciprocity. As Jesus gave of his love freely, so should I.

In Bob Goff’s latest book, “Live in Grace, Walk in Love: A 365-Day Journey,” he repeatedly makes the case for loving people. I am particularly drawn to his sentiment from the book’s 44^th devotional. Goff writes, “The best way to give people a glimpse of God is for us to be exactly who He says we are: love. He says people will know when we follow Him when they see how we love one another.”

Friends, I am far from perfect when it comes to living this out. Case in point: few things have illuminated my own selfish desires more than parenting. When my life began to revolve around the well-being of another person – and you mamas out there know it is a 24/7 commitment – I was quick to see how me-centered I really can be. But, when parenting out of a selfless spirit and prioritizing my children’s needs and hearts, I recognize how I have the opportunity to demonstrate abundant love.

While we all have to place boundaries around our time and energy, we can each bring something to a fellow human every day. Love looks a lot like a kind word, a genuine smile, a warm meal, an extra errand, acceptance of an apology, or just a phone call to check in.

In the grittier times, love can be shown in entering a journey of accountability with friend or family member, but doing so with a spirit of grace and forgiveness. Or, perhaps we have to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a friend facing grief, and love looks a lot like a good listening ear and a fresh pot of coffee.

Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) reads, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

When we start walking together in love, looking at our daily encounters as an opportunity to radiate love like Jesus, we have the opportunity to plant seeds wherever we go. Each small act of kindness can enrich the communities around us, fostering an environment of flourishment and growth. How can you show up in love today?