‘Serve one another humbly in love.’ Galatians 5:13 NIV
Love is mostly something you do instead of something you feel. Paul writes, ‘You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love’ (v. 13 NIV). So how are you supposed to express your love? According to one author, as follows:
‘A son drives for five hours to be with his mother on her birthday. A friend mentions a book he is interested in; his friend remembers and finds a copy to give to him for no visible reason. A middle-aged couple in a restaurant see a young husband and wife with little money and secretly pay their bill. A father knows how much his daughter likes having a clean car, so he sneaks over to wash it for her by surprise. People in a small group email each other throughout the week as a way of expressing their care. A wise man once said that just as the three laws of real estate are “location, location, location,” the three laws of relationship are “observation, observation, observation”. The people who give life to us are people who notice us. They know what we love and fear. When we work to truly notice someone else, love for them grows. When we work to truly observe another person, in that self-forgetfulness our own soul flourishes.’
Mother Teresa used to say: ‘If you can’t do great things, do little things with great love. And if you can’t do them with great love, do them with a little love. And if you can’t do them with a little love, do them anyway.’ Love grows when you serve people.- Bob & Debby Gas
A different angle
Love can be expressed in various ways within the context of church, friendships, communities, and even through social media platforms. As Galatians 5:13 states, “Serve one another humbly in love,” it emphasizes the importance of selflessness and acts of service in expressing love towards others.
Within the church, love is often demonstrated through acts of kindness, compassion, and support. This can be seen through volunteering to help with various church activities, such as serving in ministries, leading worship, or participating in community outreach programs. By offering one’s time and talents, individuals can express their love for fellow church members and contribute to the overall well-being of the congregation.
In the realm of friendships, love is expressed through genuine care and support. It involves actively listening, being there in times of need, and offering a helping hand. Friends can express love by celebrating each other’s successes, comforting one another during difficult times, and showing appreciation for the unique qualities that make each person special. Love within friendships also means being honest and accountable, fostering trust and deepening the connection between individuals.
Within communities, love is often demonstrated through acts of service and a commitment to the common good. This can involve volunteering at local charities, participating in community clean-up initiatives, or advocating for social justice causes. By actively engaging in community activities, individuals can express their love for their neighbors and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
Social media platforms offer unique opportunities to express love in the digital age. Love can be shown through uplifting and encouraging comments, sharing positive and inspiring content, and spreading awareness about important causes. Acts of kindness, such as offering words of support to those who are struggling or congratulating others on their achievements, can go a long way in creating a positive and loving online environment. It is essential to use social media as a platform to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, fostering connections and relationships based on love and respect.
Ultimately, expressing love in these various settings requires humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve others. It is about putting the needs of others before our own and actively seeking ways to make a positive impact. By embodying the spirit of love, we can create a sense of belonging, unity, and compassion within our church, friendships, communities, and even on social media platforms.
