Love is the most wonderful thing there is.   It’s perfect.  I would argue that it’s the single most compelling proof that we have God.  How fitting then that our primary directive is to love Him completely, and then each other as we love ourselves.  Have you noticed that we’ve taken these simple directions and thoroughly messed them up?  So what?

It’s a big deal.  Lack of love is destructive. Lack of love doesn’t create a vacuum.  It’s absence makes room for a host of negative emotions;  anger, hatred,  and indifference (the worst).   Lack of love is a thing.   Look closely and you’ll see the destruction it wreaks in homes, schools, our nation…the world.   (cue dramatic music).

Beautiful in all its incarnations.  Even in pain, love holds a tender sweetness that brings comfort.  Give more of it, so that you can get more of it.  Remember,  we never sink to love.  To love we rise.

How can we love more?   I have 5 easy peasy ideas below.  Write me with your own ideas.

1.  Jesus came to show us the way.  He explained it, modeled it and left detailed notes.  Read them.

2.  Don’t forget your neighbor (the figurative nor the literal ones).  Strike up a conversation, even though you don’t have time.

3.  Refuse to dislike anyone on sight.  Be intentional.  A smile or simple hello doesn’t cost a thing, but it may be the only kindness the person receives that day.

4.  Good grief, give a stinking dollar (or whatever) to the homeless guy.  You can’t control what he does with the money, but you can show him some love.  Don’t use tired old excuses to justify stinginess.

5.  Life is not fair, but you can be.  Be fair or at least be willing to acknowledge unfairness.  It may not change anything, but everyone likes to know that their      “plight” is acknowledged.

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