Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. Romans 12:10 The Passion Translation
Words Reveal Your Heart to Serve Others
One of the most tangible ways to show your love really costs you nothing more than the honor and the awareness to squeeze in as many loving acts of service as you can before the other person does them. Opportunities are everywhere if you will move quickly to serve those you claim to love.
I remember a difficult training assignment as I worked for a company that was struggling to stay afloat in a tough economy. It was a hospitality company that was hard-pressed after 9/11. In an effort to gain more customers, they decided to change the way all of their employees answered the phone. My job was to train them to say, “My pleasure” within the first few minutes of the conversation. We were to monitor it closely and let their manager’s know if they did not comply.
Because of the difficulties and the uncertainties they were facing, they had an interesting reaction. The words were said because they had to do so. Few captured the power of using this phrase because they did not feel it.
I am impressed every time I go to Chik Fil-A as they say “My pleasure.” They have created an environment where 99% of the time it feels sincere and heart-felt. It is more about a culture of honor than the words you speak. I encourage you to do the same as you seek to outdo those closest to you in respect and honor.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Put love into your service whether it is appreciated or not.
- Show your love by hurrying to do something that the one you love may not like doing.
Speak blessings
It’s one thing to put on a big production once a year on Valentine’s day and quite another to speak a blessing instead of complaining that they leave their clothes on the floor and the dishes in the sink. Your attitude comes through when you are mumbling under your breath and complaining because of unmet expectations.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Speak love and express your pleasure when you serve someone you love.
- Express what a joy and delight it is to have those you love close by.
Surprise them
The best results come when you surprise someone by doing something that they normally do and may not enjoy doing.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Make chores fun and work together to complete them quickly.
- Ask specifically what would help them the most.
- Notice when someone has helped you and express gratitude.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, that you don’t miss anything. Even when others may not see all that I do for those I love you see my heart to help each one. Thank you for the privilege of serving those I love. Open my eyes to see other ways to bless them and show them tangibly my deep honor and love for them. I don’t want to waste one second or one opportunity to make them feel loved and honored. I know that with your help we can build a culture of honor in our home. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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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.
Karen, I love this. Sometimes at home it’s harder to do. I don’t know why unless we just get tired or take each other for granted. But what a blessing to try to outdo each other with kindness. Thanks for your suggestions. Blessings and love to you! xo
Gayle,
My new hubby and I do that with the laundry and making the bed. It is fun and the bed is ALWAYS made. LOL! We put the dry clothes away twice as fast. Love you and look forward to reading your posts.
Karen