I challenge our kids to “check your motive.” (The renowned, beloved, and esteemed Trisha Lyons taught me this!) It works every time. Why are you doing or saying something? The bottom line is that almost every action we take has a positive or a negative effect on others. God shows us how to LOVE OTHERS. It all comes down to just that.

Is what we choose to say or do showing God that we LOVE OTHERS?  Or not?  What does LOVE look like?

Love can look amazing. Love can also look simple:

• Walking on a sidewalk instead of through the grass.
• Hugging someone longer than they wanted to and pulling them back close.
• Reducing your speed to allow someone to get in front of you in traffic.
• Giving a eulogy.
• Granting an apology.
• Accepting an apology.
• Going to a 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration!
• Helping a friend decide which cancer treatment to pursue.
• Getting your children dressed appropriately and taking them to church.
• Sending emails that are only thoughtful.
• Speaking gently about topics you understand.
• Listening to others and focusing on what they are saying.
• Not talking ill of anyone.
• Making a batch of cookies and giving them to someone for no reason.

My parents took each of our kids to a local, legendary French restaurant when they turned six. This was the first time I considered what love truly does look like. I told my parents that every person who watched them walk hand in hand, the three of them with a small grandchild in the center, saw love in its truest form.

What have you done today? What are you planning to do? Are you showing others what love looks like? Would God see how grateful you are?

I was given one of the best gifts this past Christmas, a hors d’oeuvres knife that bears the words: SPREAD LOVE

Such a simple sentiment, challenge, and charge!

Carrie Garland

Appointed readings for today: Daniel 3:14-20, 24-28, Psalm 23, John 8:31-42