“You complete me” (Jerry Maguire). “Love is blind” (Shakespeare in Love). “You make me want to be a better man” (As Good As It Gets).

The movies have a lot to say about love. For me, it’s a quote from a seemingly goofy, simple-minded snowman. Olaf in Frozen speaks on the love God wants for and from us when he said, “Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours.” 

God has a lot to say about the way we are to love others, but today, Romans 12:9-21 had me thinking like Olaf and knowing that love is not a word we should toss around. There should be action behind that word ‘love.’

3 Ways to Spread God’s Love:

• Love Others Authentically: In Romans 12:9-10, it says ‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” That means no fake smiles or empty words. We are to love others authentically and genuinely. 
• Be Empathetic and Listen: Romans 12:15 tells us to ‘Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.’ This calls us to be with others in all their feelings and through anything. In my opinion, that means especially in times when they weep. Even if it is just to sit with that person, sometimes that is all that is needed. Show them love by being with them through it all. 
• Help Others and Serve: ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink’ (Romans 12:20). This verse does go on a bit, but I think this first part is the most important action we need to do to share God’s love. Whatever that person needs, give it to them or help them find a way to do it themselves. From giving a snack or buck to the homeless person on the side of the road to encouraging a friend who recently got laid off, but also helping them find job listings that fit them. Again, the action of love is the important thing here; take a step and do. 

Bonus Scripture: ‘Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.’ (Romans 12:21)

Prayer

Gracious and loving God, help me to be gracious and loving to others. Guide me to be authentic and genuine in my love towards others. God, let me know and feel that You are with me so that I can be with others in their times of happiness and their times of need. Nudge me to the places I should help and serve the people around me, people I know and people I don’t know yet. Thank you, God, for loving me so much, and I pray that I can spread Your love more. Amen. 

---

With faith,
Melanie Drews
Paws on God’s Path