Valentines is just around the corner. Whether you celebrate or not it's a good time to remember your loved ones and show them some love! So, what does it mean to love? The Webster's dictionary defines love as a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. It is based on feelings of attraction, admiration, devotion, the list continues. What modern definitions don’t include are the types of love that are unconditional and never changing, that is selfless and is not based on feelings. A love that is patient and kind, a nurturing love. A love that does not punish but corrects. A love that is hopeful and heals, that isn’t destructive or tears others down. Need I say more? Love is more complex than surface level feelings that are chemical reactions in the brain which deceive you in the moment.
How can I love more?
Love is a connection that isn't always romantic. It shouldn’t be kept for selfish desires. Love is as simple as greeting your neighbor who lives across the street. Showing someone you care can have a positive effect on a person’s life. To you it may not mean much but to the other person your words may have changed their perspective that day. There's been instances in my life where I feel so down walking in the street without noticing but other people notice and interact with me. There is something about that quick passing interaction of hello or good morning that kind of resets my brain pulling me out of the slump I may not have noticed I was in. Being kind to others is an important, but what value is there if you are only kind to those who are kind to you. In today's society 50/50 is the standard that people are so hung up on. Where if someone treats you well you treat them well and vice versa. If you are only using 50 percent of your love and care, what happens to the other 50? It’s wasted away by being trapped within and turning into bitter feelings. Your honest kindness should always reach 100 percent despite your feelings for the other person, or group of people. Stay true to yourself by expressing your love, being selfless is much more rewarding in the end. Don’t let the bitterness of others dictate how you should love them. Volunteering and helping the needy are wonderful ways to share a little extra love.
The Impact of loving one another
Your actions have a lot more impact than you might think. In a study conducted on kindness titled When you give kindness out, you get it back ten times more, they found out that being kind to another person can “positively influence one’s neurological system.” This is because oxytocin is released when engaging in a kind act. Being more loving and friendly can benefit both you and the other person receiving it. It may be possible to change the world around you with a little more love. In an article they used data from a nationwide survey and concluded that compassionate love reduces loneliness and psychological wellbeing later in life. Adults who felt love had lower levels of loneliness, fewer depressive symptoms and lower anxiety. Imagine the impact love could have on the world if we just poured into the people around us. Not only could love change the world but also save lives. When people don't feel love they feel more alone and isolated
Moral of the love story
There is more to love than just a feeling within. Love is a tool that can be used to make an impact on those around you. I just felt like sharing this time of reflection to give you a new perspective on this word. I believe you don't truly know love till you receive it. People should have a chance to at least know what love feels like. Below I share a couple of verses for reflection.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
1 John 4:16
Refrences
Shillington, Katie J et al. “'When you give kindness out, you get it back ten times more': Ontario adults' prosocial behaviour during the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.” PloS one vol. 18,7 e0288720. 17 Jul. 2023, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0288720
Lekhak, Nirmala et al. “The Primacy of Compassionate Love: Loneliness and Psychological Well-Being in Later Life.” Journal of gerontological nursing vol. 49,4 (2023): 12-20. doi:10.3928/00989134-20230309-03
King James bible, “Romans 12:9-18”, “Philippians 2:3”, “1 John 4:18” “1 John 4:16”
Thanks for reading! I hoped you enjoys this post. It was a spur of the moment type of thing. As I was sitting at my desk figuring out what to write this came pouring out of me. Below you can find some Valentines day items in my shop!
Important Dates!
Feb. 12th: Blog Post
Feb. 19th: Blog Post
Feb. 26th: Blog Post
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