A small, quiet gathering in front of a fireplace, a coffee table crowded with snacks, every person in the room feeling the warmth of God’s love…that’s the kind of thing that makes a big impact on a weary spirit. We all get weary in this world. Sticking together to get through the rough patches, and worse, the suffering that feels unbearable enough to keep us down, is an essential spiritual nutrient. Togetherness. Hugs. Words. Smiles. Laughter. Prayer. Silence. Listening. Tears. Empathy. Love, love, love. God’s love carries us and we carry each other. It’s part of God’s plan for our survival in this tumultuous, test-ridden life. We need each other. We need to make every effort toward unity, peace, and patience with one another. We need to be humble, gentle, and kind. Everything we do to encourage another person is an extraordinary act of love, because love in deed is God’s hand in motion.

We should never be stagnant when it comes to love. When we become sluggish and inactive, the light of God dims in a world desperately in need of it. You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. (Matthew 5:14) We can’t know the eternal impact of the love we show. We can listen and do. God opens the door or speaks to our heart, and we make the effort. God sends someone across our path or brings a friend to mind, and we make the effort to be the light of God’s love in their life. The beautiful truth is that when we allow God’s love to flow through us, it affects us too. To be of good use to the God of the universe is no small thing. His love transforms everything it touches.  

No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. 1 Corinthians 13:7