Take a moment and think about someone you really love (or once loved). This can be a friend, spouse, parent, child, or anyone as long as you are sure you loved them.

How did you treat them?

What did you do to consistently show them how much they meant to you?

What priority did they hold in your life?

How much did you value their thoughts, feelings and opinions?

How far would you go to make sure they felt your love and appreciation?

I think we can all agree that some common things happen when you really love someone.

You take time to get to know what they like and dislike.

You are always thinking of ways to make them smile or laugh.

You make time in your busy schedule to talk and share with them in order to form a long lasting bond.

You aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and transparent because you believe they have your best interest at heart.

You work hard not to hurt, disappoint or offend them.

You are their biggest support and cheerleader in the great moments.

And your heart grieves with them when they are let down by outside forces.

You can’t stop talking about them to your friends and family.

You wake up in the morning anticipating the time you will spend with them each day.

People outside your relationship can observe you and see and feel the love you have for that other person.

Isn’t this how things generally flow when you truly love someone?

Well if we truly love God the way we say we do, our love for Him should show as well.

We should be excited to spend time with him in prayer and studying his Word.

We should make Him a priority.

We should be mindful of our words and actions so that we don’t offend Him.

We should honor and respect Him always.

We should stop and just say thank you instead of only coming to Him when we need something.

We should share our love for Him to others.

And most importantly, outsiders should be able to observe our lives and know without a doubt that we truly Love God.

Now, take another moment and reflect on your relationship and love for God and make sure it’s a love that shows.

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18

By Tanya S. Martin-James