A Dozen Ways to Love (From a Biblical Perspective)
Love is one of the most important gifts that God has blessed us with, and it should not be taken for granted. It needs to be nurtured and taken care of to stay healthy and strong. According to the Bible, 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” This verse suggests that love is the key to overcoming many of life’s struggles. There are many ways to demonstrate and show love to those around us, but here are a dozen ideas to get you started in showing God’s love to those around you.
Promise Without Forgetting
We have all heard the saying, “a promise is a promise,” and it is true. It is a fundamental part of who we are and how we interact. We expect those we trust to keep their promises, and in turn, we strive to keep our own. Proverbs 13:12 states, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” The implications of this proverb are that when we make a promise and fail to keep it, it can be a source of great distress, but when we keep our word, it can bring positive and life-giving results.
Keeping a promise can be difficult, especially when life gets in the way. We can forget, get distracted, or make a mistake. However, it is essential to remember that a promise is a commitment to another person and should be taken seriously. We should strive to be mindful of our promises and not make them lightly or without consideration. When we make a promise, we should be aware of our limitations and ensure that we can keep our word.
There are a few ways to help ensure that we don’t forget our promises. Writing them down is a great way to keep track of them and ensure we don’t forget. This can be done in a notebook, on a calendar, or even on a whiteboard in our home. It is also helpful to set reminders for ourselves. Most phones and computers have a reminder app or alarm that can be used to remind us of something we have promised to do. We can also tell someone else about our promise so that they can help us remember it.
Committing to keeping our promises is vital to healthy relationships with others. Keeping a promise can be seen as a sign of respect and trust. It shows that we are reliable and dependable, which are essential in any relationship. Keeping a promise also indicates that we value our word and are willing to try to keep our commitments. Proverbs 13:12 is a reminder that when we make a promise, we should not forget it because it is an integral part of who we are.
Answer Without Arguing
One of the wisest pieces of advice to follow when in a disagreement is to answer without arguing. Proverbs 17:1 states, “Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.” This proverb reminds us that peace of mind is far more valuable than material possessions or wealth. In a disagreement, staying calm and answering without arguing is essential.
Arguing only leads to more problems and can affect relationships. In a disagreement, it is crucial to think before speaking and listen to the other person’s point of view. This helps ensure both sides understand the situation and come to a resolution. Once both parties have stated their points, it is vital to take a step back and consider the other person’s opinion. This helps to foster understanding and respect, which is essential in any disagreement.
Answering without arguing also helps to maintain a sense of respect. Rather than engaging in a heated debate, trying and understanding the other person’s point of view is better. This can be done by asking questions and being open to other people’s ideas. Even if you disagree, remaining civil and courteous throughout the discussion is essential.
Another way to answer without arguing is to agree to disagree. This is a polite way of saying that both sides have different opinions and that it is okay to disagree. It shows that both parties respect each other and are willing to move on from the disagreement.
Answering without arguing is a great way to maintain peace in any disagreement. Proverbs 17:1 reminds us that having a peaceful resolution is far better than having a house full of strife. Both parties can come to a resolution and move on by staying calm and being respectful.
Listen Without Interrupting
Listening without interruption is an art that we all could benefit from mastering. The saying goes, “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2). This proverb has been around for centuries. Yet, many of us still struggle to put it into practice.
Listening without interruption carries many benefits, not only for the speaker but also for the listener. For the speaker, it is an opportunity to share their story without feeling like they are being judged. Or are not being heard. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to talk and having someone constantly jump in and finish your sentences for you, or worse yet, completely override your opinion.
For the listener, it is an opportunity to gain insight into the speaker’s feelings and experiences. Often, it can be easy to make assumptions about what someone is saying or their opinion on a particular topic. Listening without interruption allows us to truly understand the speaker’s message.
In our current society, we are often so focused on getting our opinions and ideas out there. We forget to take a step back and listen to what someone else says. This can be especially true in a heated debate or argument. We should always strive to listen without interruption, even if we disagree with the speaker. Proverbs 18:2 is a reminder to us that it is our glory to overlook an offense and to listen without prejudice or interruption.
Listening without interruption is a skill that takes practice and patience. We must always be mindful of the speaker and their feelings. We should never jump in and finish sentences or hastily make assumptions. To truly listen without interruption requires giving the speaker our full attention and resisting the urge to interject our opinions. We should strive to put Proverbs 18:2 into practice and listen without interruption.
Give Without Sparing
Have you ever heard the proverb, “Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!”? Proverbs 21:26 tells us to be generous and not stingy while giving. It’s a beautiful proverb that encourages us to be generous and kind with our resources, whether money, time, or even our emotions.
Most people have the idea that giving must be done sparingly. We’re taught from an early age that generosity is something to be done in moderation and that it’s better to be safe than sorry. However, this proverb challenges us to think differently.
When we give without sparing, we are not only helping those in need, but we are also expanding our own hearts. We become more compassionate and understanding and open ourselves up to the joy of giving. Instead of holding on tightly to our resources, we learn to let go and trust that we have enough. We are reminded that we can give without depleting our own resources.
Giving without sparing also helps us to practice gratitude. When we give, we are reminded of how much we have to give, encouraging us to be thankful for our abundance. We can develop an attitude of gratitude and learn to appreciate our blessings.
Finally, giving without sparing allows us to tap into our spiritual sides. We can become more aware of the spiritual side of giving and begin to understand the spiritual power of generosity. We can give without expecting anything in return and learn to be generous with our time and energy.
So the next time you feel generous, remember the proverb, “Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!” It’s a great reminder that giving is not only beneficial for those in need, but it’s also beneficial for ourselves. So go ahead and give without sparing, and you’ll be rewarded in more ways than one.
Be Patient in all Things
Patience is a virtue, as the old saying goes, and it is true. Patience is an essential part of life, and it is crucial to learn patience. It is not easy, but it is possible. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.” We must learn how to be patient in all things if we are to truly love others.
Patience is essential because it allows us to think more clearly and make better decisions. We tend to make rash decisions when we are impatient without considering the consequences. Patience also helps us to remain calm in complex and challenging situations. By practicing patience, we can stay focused on the task and use our time more effectively.
Patience also allows us to better understand the perspectives of others. We can gain insight and empathy into the situation by taking the time to listen to their point of view. This will help us to better understand and appreciate the perspectives of others and allow us to better communicate with them.
When we practice patience, we can also learn to take things one step at a time. This can help us to prioritize our tasks, allowing us to focus on the most important things first. By being patient and taking things one step at a time, we can ensure that we don’t miss anything important.
Finally, patience can help us to stay positive even in difficult times. When we are patient, we can take the time to think through our problems and find solutions. This can help us to stay focused on the good things and find joy in the present moment.
Patience is a valuable skill, and it is vital to learn patience. By practicing patience, we can become better communicators, problem-solvers, and positive people. As 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud” We must learn how to be patient if we are to truly love others.
Trust Without Wavering
Trust without wavering is a concept that holds a lot of weight in today’s world. It is something that many of us strive to achieve in our lives, to be able to trust someone without any doubts or reservations. As 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” This references the power of trust and how it can help us build strong relationships with others.
Trust without wavering is complex, and it takes a lot of effort to maintain it. It means we must be willing to put our faith in someone without any doubts or suspicions. It also means we must be willing to forgive and accept mistakes and shortcomings without judgment. Trust without wavering is not an easy thing to do. Still, it is essential to build and maintain healthy relationships.
Trust without wavering requires us to be honest and open with each other. We must be willing to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with one another and be vulnerable. It also requires us to be willing to listen and understand each other and to have patience and compassion. We must be willing to compromise and work together to resolve our differences.
Trust without wavering also requires us to be proactive in our relationships. We must be willing to take the initiative to reach out to one another and ensure that we communicate effectively. We must be ready to make an effort to build trust and to ensure that it is not broken.
Trust without wavering is difficult, but it is essential for any healthy relationship. We must be willing to put our faith in someone without any doubts or suspicions and be open and honest with each other. We must be willing to listen, understand, and compromise. We must be proactive in our relationships and take the initiative to reach out and build trust. By applying 1 Corinthians 13:7, we can strive for trust without wavering in our relationships.
Share Without Pretending
We live in a society where it has become customary for people to wear a mask of pretense and put up a facade. We often pretend to be something we are not or act a certain way to please others. We forget the power of being authentic and instead try to conform to society’s expectations of us. However, scripture teaches us to share without pretending.
In Ephesians 4:15, Paul encourages us to “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” We should be honest with ourselves and with others. We should be open and share our true feelings and emotions without needing to put up a front or fake it. We should also be mindful of how we speak to others and be kind and loving in our words.
Being authentic and vulnerable can be scary, but it is also one of the most freeing things we can do. We have to be able, to be honest with ourselves and others to form authentic and meaningful relationships. It can be easy to put up a wall and keep people out, but it is ultimately much more rewarding to be vulnerable and open up.
Another important aspect of sharing without pretending is being mindful of our actions. It will be reflected in our efforts if we pretend to be something we are not. We must strive to be authentic in all we do, from our words to actions, representing who we are.
Sharing without pretending is a freeing experience. We don’t have to be someone we are not. We can be completely honest with ourselves and others and still be accepted and loved. We can be authentic, open, and vulnerable and live life to the fullest. We can be honest and still make a difference in the world. Ephesians 4:15 teaches us to “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” and to share without pretending.
Learn to Let Go
We all have moments when we feel like we are being held back and can’t move forward. Learn to let go to create a better tomorrow for yourself. As Ephesians 4:31-32 states, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Letting go of our negative emotions and embracing forgiveness is the key to unlocking a better future.
If you find yourself holding on to anger or resentment, it’s time to learn to let go. Forgiveness is not only a way to move on. It’s also a way to heal. When you forgive someone, you’re no longer attached to the hurt and anger that once controlled your life. You are free to start fresh and create a new path for yourself.
The process of learning to let go can be daunting. It takes time to come to terms with the hurt that was caused. And to accept that it’s a part of your past. Allow yourself the time and space to heal. Reach out to a friend or family member for support. Pray for strength and guidance from God. Remember that you are never alone.
Learning to let go isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to create a better future for yourself. When you can forgive, you can move forward with a newfound sense of peace and hope. It doesn’t mean that you forget what happened, but it does mean that you’re able to find a way to accept it and move on with your life. Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us that we can learn to let go and forgive, even as God has forgiven us.
Enjoy Without Complaining
Are you someone who loves to complain? Do you find yourself ruminating about all the things that have gone wrong and all the things that you wish could be different? If so, it’s time to take a lesson from Philippians 2:14 – enjoy without complaining.
The verse in Philippians 2:14 tells us, “Do everything without complaining and arguing,” This verse reminds us to live our lives with joy and contentment, no matter the circumstances. Complaining and disputing are forms of dissatisfaction that can lead to further unhappiness. Instead of letting our negative thoughts take over, we should focus on the things we are thankful for.
We open ourselves up to a more fulfilling life when we enjoy it without complaining. We can better appreciate the beauty of life rather than dwelling on what we don’t have or isn’t going our way. We are allowed to focus on the good and be grateful for what we have. We can use our energy to come up with solutions to our problems rather than just complaining about them.
We can enjoy ourselves without complaining by being mindful of our thoughts and feelings. Acknowledge the negative emotions without letting them take over. Remind yourself of the good things in your life and why you are thankful for them. Give yourself the space to appreciate the little moments, even if they don’t always feel like much.
If we can learn to enjoy without complaining, we can appreciate life’s beauty despite our circumstances. Life is too short to waste it on complaining and disputing. Let’s make the most out of each moment and take a lesson from Philippians 2:14. Enjoy without complaining.
Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is a powerful tool that can be used to bring peace, love, and healing into our lives. But how often do we actually pray? We usually go through our day without taking the time to pause and pray. But the Bible tells us “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” as it says in Colossians 1:9.
Praying without ceasing isn’t just about saying prayers throughout the day. It’s about having a mindset of prayer with us all the time. It’s about having an attitude of prayer that permeates our daily life. It’s about making prayer a part of our daily routine and not just something we do in times of need or crisis.
When we pray without ceasing, we connect with God deeper. We acknowledge His presence in our lives and trust that He is with us at all times. We are opening our hearts to Him and inviting Him to be part of our everyday decisions and actions. We trust that He will guide us in our actions and lives.
Praying without ceasing also means we are open to hearing God’s voice in all situations. We are not just praying when it is convenient, but we are listening for God’s still, small voice at all times and in all places. We actively seek His will and trust that He will lead us in the right direction.
Praying without ceasing can be a challenge, but it is a challenge that is worth taking. When we make prayer a part of our daily life, we open ourselves up to God in a way that brings peace, love, and healing. We can trust that God will be with us at all times and in all situations and that He will guide us on our journey.
Forgive Without Punishing
Forgiveness is often seen as a sign of strength and resilience, which requires us to be generous and understanding. We often think of it as a way to “let bygones be bygones” and move on with life. But as Colossians 3:13 states, “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,” This verse speaks to the power of forgiving without punishing.
Forgiving without punishment is an act of grace, mercy, and compassion. It is an act of courage, not weakness, which allows us to extend love and compassion toward those who have wronged us. This type of forgiveness allows us to move forward and be free from the past. It will enable us to have an open heart and mind, free from the pain and suffering of the past. This type of forgiveness also allows us to create healthier relationships with those we love and really listen to them and understand where they are coming from.
Forgiving without punishment also allows us to move forward without bitterness. Bitterness is a poison that can destroy relationships, while forgiveness can help us build trust and understanding. We can create a safe and positive space for communication and understanding when we forgive without punishment. This type of forgiveness also allows us to demonstrate grace and mercy to others, which can help us to have more fulfilling relationships with those around us.
Ultimately, forgiving without punishing is an act of courage and faith. It is an act of hope and resilience that allows us to move forward and create healthier relationships. It is an act of grace, mercy, and compassion that can help us to heal and grow. By forgiving without punishing, we can be free from the pain and suffering of the past while creating a positive and healthy environment for relationships.
Speak Without Accusing
When speaking without accusing, the bible is the first place to turn to. James 1:19 says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” This is what it means to speak without accusing. To be swift to hear, you must be willing to listen without forming a judgment. You must be patient and open to what the other person says. To be slow to speak is to take your time to think about what you will say. You must consider the other person’s feelings before you talk and make sure your words are not accusatory. To be slow to wrath is to practice self-control. It would be best if you remembered that you were speaking with the intent to resolve the matter and not to make the other person feel guilty.
Speaking without accusing does not come naturally, but it is a skill that can be developed with practice. The first step is to be aware of your emotions and practice self-awareness. Notice when you become emotional and take a deep breath to calm down. You can also practice active listening, simply paying attention to what the other person is saying without judgment or interruption. This will help you understand their perspective and give you time to think of the right words.
Another critical step is to be respectful in your communication. Speak in a calm and polite voice and avoid using accusatory language. This will help ensure that the conversation does not escalate into an argument. It is also essential to focus on the issue at hand and not get caught up in the emotions of the conversation. This will help to keep the conversation productive and work towards resolving the issue.
Finally, practice speaking without accusing by focusing on being kind and understanding. If you find yourself getting too emotional or frustrated, take a break and return to the conversation when you are calm. Remember that speaking without accusing is a vital skill and can help create a healthier and more productive environment. As James 1:19 says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” – so practice this, and you will be able to speak without accusing.
Conclusion:
How do you feel about the love you have in your life? Do you feel loved by your spouse, children, and/or parents? When someone makes a special request, do you feel loved to be able to say yes? When someone is angry with you, do you feel loved to be able to say so and show that you are sorry? When someone shares a secret or a pain with you, do you feel loved knowing that you can handle it in Jesus’ name? When someone lets you know that they appreciate you, do you feel loved to be able to say thank you? When someone tries to help you, do you feel loved knowing that you can manage things on your own? When someone is smiling at you, do you feel loved to be able to return their smile? When you talk to your children, do you feel loved when they smile back? When someone is proud of what you’ve accomplished, do you feel loved to be able to tell them so? When someone loves you, do you feel loved because they have no reason to love you? Or do you feel loved because you are able to love them back? When someone surprises you with a gift, do you feel loved because of what it represents? When someone tells you how much they appreciate you, do you feel loved to be able to say so? When someone makes an effort to understand you, do you feel loved to be able to explain things in your own way? When someone is helping you, even if it may be difficult, do you feel loved to be able to accept the help?
Bruce Mitchell is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who loves to share God’s Word in everyday life. He has studied at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His blog (Allelon.us) is all about the principles of Agapao Allelon (Loving One Another) and God’s Mercy, Grace, Love, and Forgiveness and how it applies to our daily lives as Christ-Followers. (1 Peter 4:8)
