Beloved children, our love can’t be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds. 1 John 3:18 The Passion Translation
February is best known for Valentine’s Day – a special day to express our love to one another. It is mainly the romantic love between couples and can result in great disappointment for those who do not have someone to buy them flowers, chocolates and cards. I am disappointed that many of the cards express that they are sorry they don’t say it more often. In other cases, the love is sincere yet pocketbook is empty so it can be a stressful time.
Let’s look at this scripture from several different translations.
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. MSG
My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. VOICEClick To TweetMy children, let us not love merely in theory or in words—let us love in sincerity and in practice! PHILLIPS
Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]. AMP
I will be writing every day during this month as part of a writing challenge. My challenge to you is to express your love every day. Take the time to honor someone. And…the best part is that you don’t have to spend your money to do it.
Join me in some radical displays and demonstrations of loving deeds as we establish a new pattern of gracious love. This series is a challenge to inspire you to actively show love and honor to those closest to you. There are many creative ways that cost nothing that can make this month unforgettable. Make love more than an abstract theory we talk about by creating a way of life that shows love in action. Are you ready?
These posts are part of #Write28Days.
Day 1: Introduction and Landing Page
Day 2: Honor and Celebrate Differences
Day 3: Move Quickly to Serve
Day 4: Acknowledge and Embrace Strengths
Day 5: Strengthen Weaknesses with Hope
Day 6: Express True Gratitude
Day 7: Convey Love Creatively
Day 8: Bless with Words of Hope
Day 9: Filter Events Through a Hope Lens
Day 10: Fill Your Life with Hope
Day 11: Listen with Your Eyes
Day 12: Say “I love you” – Just in Case
Day 13: Keep Communication Channels Open
Day 14: Validate with Confidence
Day 15: Slow Down and Accept the Help
Day 16: Honor the Meaning of Their Name
Day 17: Establish Special Places that Evoke Warm Memories
Day 18: Open the Story Suitcase
Day 19: Share Secret Recipes
Day 20: Create a Safe Haven
Day 21: Start an Inspiration List
Day 22: Initiate New Traditions
Day 23: Search for the Good
Day 24: Enjoy MORE Simple Delights
Day 25: Find a Place Called Home
Day 26: Reward with Honor
Day 27: Value the Voice of Experience and Wisdom
Day 28: Give the Gift of Your Presence
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
Oh, Karen I am so excited about reading your series and participatunf in this challenge. I hope you have a lovely weekend!
And I am thrilled to share in learning from yours. This is going to be a great challenge. I thought I would be ahead like I was for last October’s challenge. I am not. I think it might be a good thing because the revelation will be fresh.
Showing love can be as simple as a smile or a hug. Looking forward to reading more!
Carrie,
You are inspiring me for future posts. I thought I would have at least a week’s worth of posts. Yes, I do agree that a hug and a smile show love.
Sending abrazos and smiles to you.
Karen
This is a wonderful topic. As issues in our culture become more heated, we need to focus on love and grace.
Carol,
Thank you SO much for your feedback. It means the world to me. I could not agree more. I look forward to reading your posts as well.