Turning the words of love into the actions of love.

Well folks here we are, we made it to Friday, now what? I wonder if we actually accomplished anything of lasting value in the many hours we've pursued over the past several days? But, here we are again, on this Friday, February 13, 2009. That’s right! Friday, the 13th! You may have some qualms about this superstitious day on the calendar, but to me, it’s the day following the 12th, and the day before the 14th, and nothing more. Of course the 14th is another Hallmark opportunity to sell cards, gifts, and dinners as a way of expressing love towards others, especially the romantical form of love. I heard yesterday that 76% of small businesses who depend on these types of promotions report their gloomiest outlook ever for this year’s celebration. Most folks will likely settle for a very modest expression of their love, perhaps even a personal verbal greeting. Wow! You mean you might actually tell those you love that you really do love them instead of buying a card, flowers, gift, or taking them to dinner? It just might be an appropriate thing to do even if you do the others!

Yesterday I spoke about the love of our Savior that should flow through us to others. I found some quotations from folks over the years that speak to this important issue of going beyond words or good intentions to the place where caring and action takes place. “He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars. General good is the plea of the scoundrel, hypocrite, and flatterer.” “No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions.” “The road is long from the intention to the completion.” “All worthwhile men have good thoughts, good ideas and good intentions, but precious few of them ever translate those into action.” “The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention.” These are comments from poets and other famous folks as they perceived the need to back up our words with tangible actions.

As we move towards the day set aside to recognize the power of love let us not forget the Maker of Love and His word on the subject. Essentially, a bottom line way of looking at how love is supposed to motivate our actions can be found in a verse from the inspired writing of James. He says in his opening words from what we call the first chapter that true religion is found not in how much we know or in how much we practice, but rather it’s shown by how much we care for those who are in need. (Read James Chapter 1) The Apostle Peter put love in perspective when he stated that "above all things, fervently love one another". Above all things, now that’s a priority statement especially whenever you consider that he was talking about everything that surrounds life including the coming end of the ages, but first and foremost is to be our continuous outflow of love and concern. (Read 1st Peter Chapter 4) Happy Valentine’s day to all my readers and may God help each of us to appreciate His purpose for love! Have a great Saturday and Sunday and I’ll do my best to think up something to write about when we meet again next Monday, Lord willing! Amen. ….More later.