If you really love someone, then show them!

“I love you.”

Most of us hear that phrase quite often, which is good, but it’s nice to see those words in action. I have personally experienced those words in action in my life from people I love and hold dear to my heart, as well as from those who preferred to stay anonymous. Either way, I was grateful to receive the love those people chose to express toward me. Since it’s February and Valentine’s Day is approaching, let’s begin showing the special ones in our lives how much we love them by doing something kind for them.

I know what you’re probably thinking, I’ll buy her roses or I’ll get him that doodad he wanted from Home Depot. No, that’s not what I’m talking about. Please understand, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with buying roses for her or purchasing a doodad from Home Depot for him. However, there is something more special you can give than a purchased gift. Sometimes by just doing the most common thing for each other, we can express our love for one another better than anything else. Well, almost anything else (diamonds for women and tools & TVs for men), but you get my point!

This Valentine’s Day you can start a new tradition by doing things for your spouse you might not normally do. For instance, clear off the table after dinner, put up the dishes, do the laundry, or even offer to make dinner. If you don’t usually do the outside chores, you can help your spouse by cleaning the pool, taking out the trash, or mowing part of the lawn. Other ideas include calling your loved one during the day just to see how they are doing, or simply asking them how their day went when they get home and then actually listening to their response. By carrying out these simple tasks, you will be amazed at the loving response and atmosphere that develops in your home. Watch how the ones you love begin to shine simply because they can actually see the interest, care, and love you have for them.

Please don’t limit yourself only to what I have mentioned. By all means, let your own creative juices begin to flow. I have never heard of a woman that didn’t like her feet being rubbed, being surprised with a hot bubble bath, or even receiving a nice massage. Additionally, ladies I know I can speak for most guys when I say bring on the massage and please don’t stop after only 5 minutes; put some muscle behind it and enjoy each other!

It’s so important to keep romance alive in marriages especially after the family begins growing and little ones are demanding most of your time. Remember back to your wedding day, your spouse was and should still be your best friend. Doing nice things for each other will help strengthen your relationship. God blessed our lives with spouses, friends, and even neighbors, but sometimes in this crazy world we live in we can become overwhelmed with work or stresses from other areas and overlook these blessings.

"...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27,NIV)

During this Valentine’s Day (and all year through), let’s not only show love for our spouses but also for our neighbors. The Lord states in Luke 10:27 to love your neighbor as yourself. You can share God’s love with your neighbors, friends, co-workers, or random strangers by doing acts of kindness (even anonymously if you care to). For example, take your neighbor’s garbage can up to their garage after it’s been emptied. Offer to lend an ear to a co-worker that might not have anyone close to them that cares. Purchase the groceries for the stranger behind you in line just to let them know that God loves them and that His love is real.

You might be thinking, “You don’t know my neighbor or my spouse and what they did to me.” You’re right; I don’t, but understand that no one is perfect. By swallowing our pride and releasing all past offenses, we can walk in God’s love and live in the blessing because of it. By adjusting our attitudes slightly, humbling ourselves, and making time and effort to show those around us that we love them, we can begin to see God’s Word come to fruition. “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving––large or small––it will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Luke 6:38, NLT).

Be the more mature man or woman and love those around you. Don’t be offended if your spouse, friends, or neighbors don’t respond the way you think they should after doing something nice for them. Don’t give up. Continue doing kind things for them throughout the year.

God loves you and His grace is all you need to succeed at what He wants you to do. “…‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). God’s grace and love is what gives us strength to love those around us even when we really don’t want to. Start showing others the love you have for them through your actions. One final thought, “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” (Luke 6:31, MSG). Glory!