Much is made of how important it is to tell people you love them. This is indeed very important…but it must be preceded by deeds.
Not only is love a verb…it is an action verb. If you want people to believe you when you say “I love you”, consistently extend yourself for their benefit. Be considerate of them when you decide what to do for them. Suffer for them and with them when appropriate. Study the topic of love…much has been written about it. Act on what you learn about love…prioritizing what you think best and what the other person thinks best.
My favorite treatment of the verb love is found within Scott Peck’s “The Road Less Traveled”. Please contribute one or more of your favorite writings or presentations on the topic of the verb love.
- Jeff Linroth Longmont
Love is a verb. So true. If all of us humans could inject love into every human interaction and use love to be the ingredient in our response even when we receive the worst of all human insults, think of the great world we could have. The book Team of Rivals mentions several ways that Lincoln responded with love, when he could have, by “being only human” fired someone, or demoted them, or at least “put them in their place.” When I defend one of my actions by stating “I was only being human” that may be my feeble way of stating that I left love out of the equation.
Love is the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing ones own or another’s spiritual growth…or something like that from Scott Peck. Thanks for the reminder Jeff Linroth
Thanks for the good words. It’s one of those things that can sometimes benefit the giver even more than recipient. – Jeff Linroth
starting to really enjoy your writings Jeff Linroth!
I’m glad they are helpful!
Jeff Linroth