Love Is Giving

 “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16  

 As I sat in a coffee shop recently I watched as two women were celebrating a birthday. The friend on the receiving end was truly blessed beyond measure as she got not one gift, not two, but SIX gifts! I was flabbergasted! We know it is not the quantity of the gifts or the amount you paid,  but the thought that counts. But gifts do represent love and the one who receives them should never worry about feeling they have to rush out and reciprocate. Just enjoy being blessed. 

It is not just material gifts given to show love.  Greeting cards, a phone call, a hug, or an act of service are also ways to show love. Here on Valentine's Day we are hyper focused on love. Several years ago my younger son, now happily married, called it 'Singles Awareness Day' as if a guy asked a girl out on this day it might send a wrong message if he wasn't that serious or if you did not have a special someone in your life you felt somehow inadequate. The Valentine month does not have to be all about candy, hearts, and roses. It can be a time to celebrate friends too. Most of all celebrate the ultimate gift of Jesus dying on the cross so we might have life and be forgiven of our sins.

Don't let this day make you feel bad because mostly it is a greeting card company holiday. Just rejoice in the love you have around you and the love you can share with others.

PRAYER: Love is patient and kind. Love puts the other person first. Love is of God. Help me Lord show that love to everyone in my circle of influence and those in my path each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.