The Tribune

By Rev Angela C

Bosfield Palacious

I. Words of love

Think of the nicest words that anyone has ever spoken to you. What was the situation or circumstance and who spoke these words to you? How did it feel and why has it remained with you?

Why not decide that from this day forward that you will pay a compliment to each person with whom you live. Who in your family needs to hear some special words of kindness because you seldom speak that way to this person? What if on each family member’s birthday in the extended family, you wrote all the things you admire about them and sent it to them?

Since this is still the Valentine season, you could engage in a family Valentine exercise to write 10 things about each person in your household and everyone gives it to the person. You may read them out or just read them privately. What other loving traditions would you like to introduce throughout the year?

Our God has spoken personally to each one of us in Holy Scripture: I loved you so much that I sent my only Son that if you believe you will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3 16 personalized; I will be with you always (Mt 28:20); I chose you to bear fruit (John 15:16). In return we are to speak words of praise and thanks back to God.

II. Acts of love

Romantic love is easy to put into practice: holding of hands, hugs and kisses, poems, flowers, baskets, fruits, jewellery, trips, other gifts, looks, smiles, gestures, being alone to talk when a couple is courting.

Married love requires a sustained commitment. The years teach us the other person likes and dislikes. Though it often necessitates more subtle expressions of love, there has to be the same intentional efforts to keep the romance in it, as routine often takes over, making it easy to take one another for granted. Daily sharing of thoughts and feelings, smiling, hugging, holding hands, kissing, along with regular giving of small gifts, frequent candle lit meals with soft music, all help to keep the fire burning.

Honesty, faithfulness, kindness, trust, cherishing, and integrity are important words that have to be put into action. These are vital expressions of love to keep a marriage (or any serious relationship) healthy.

Look at the cross and see the greatest act of love and be grateful of God. This is where we receive the motivation, inspiration and strength to love with the love of the Lord.

III. Feelings of love

There is a sense of security and stability to be found in a loving home. We ought to feel grateful love towards those who provide food and shelter for us. Home is where we should know that we are important, special, appreciated, and celebrated as unique, especially if we are different to everyone else in the family. It is in this atmosphere that we can freely explore our need to feel fulfilled, useful, that life has purpose, and find room to grow into the person God created us to be.

We each have special ways to feel loved. Take time to get to know yourself. You may need more extra hugs, kisses, affection or more time to be alone without being made to feel guilty. Communicate this with family and close friends so that they come to understand you, while you learn to do the same for them. Recognize the amazing person that you are, made in God’s image, and who you can become under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Recognise the many ways to feel loved by God. Have eyes to see the wonder of rainbows, butterflies and the beauty of other aspects of nature. Feel the power of God’s love in Scripture, prayer, holy silence, sacred music, fellowship, worship, and ministry to others. Make it your heart’s desire to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and strength, and to love your neighbour as you love yourself.