How do you love people? I am finding out that love is only a vague concept unless you do very specific things.

• People are insecure - give them confidence. Everyone you meet has something they are insecure about. Maybe it's the way they look or a painful past or insecurity about their future. Love them by reminding them that God is with them and He will never forsake them. Love them by assuring them that when all else fails, God's Word will always work.
• People need to feel special - compliment them. I am yet to see a woman who does not like compliments. We can live on compliments. We all have an invisible sign hanging around our necks that is saying, "Make me feel important". Love people by telling them how much they mean to you. Compliment their dress, their makeup, their work, their children, etc. God's Word does this very well! He tells us how special we are, how much He loves us and His good plans for us.
• People are looking for a better tomorrow - give them hope. Tell them that when God is in the center of their life, their future will be better than their past. As long as they seek God, He will make them prosper (2 Chronicles 26:5).
• People need to be understood - listen to them. This takes time, but loving people takes time! Don't be in too much of a hurry to offer a hand, a prayer or a shoulder for a sister to cry on. Focus on the person talking to you and let them know they have your undivided attention. Most times all we really need is someone to listen and understand us.
• People need role models - be one. People will follow you as you follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Too often we are unaware of the example we set and the impression we are making. Like it or not, what you do - and don't do - influences others. Love people enough to give them a model to emulate. Model stability, consistency, faithfulness, zeal, peace, joy and all that will make them say "that's the kind of a Christian woman I want to be".

Now go and love people...the right way!

 

 

 

Heart to Heart Ministries is a ministry of

Heart and Health Ministries International.