Imagine receiving the gift you’ve always wanted. A musician receives a guitar. The teenager, a car. Newlyweds, a home. Fill in your blank.

Now imagine that new guitar never being played. That car, never driven. That home, never lived in. And, a person who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior never moving forward. They understand they don’t need to work for their salvation. It was a free gift from God. So, what’s next?

In the letter to the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul wrote, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6b). And, “[S]erve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love our neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:13c-14).

Clearly, demonstrating love isn’t just a Valentine’s Day event. It should become a daily surrendering of self and purposefully looking outward at others, asking the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and ears and heart to direct us how to love.

May we remember the elderly, those in prison, single-parent families, those caring for foster children, the sick, or a ‘neighbor’ who may need a meal, a ride, weeds pulled, or help with a bill or computer problem. The opportunities are endless! Since we can’t help everyone, ask for God’s guidance.

Characteristics of love should be shown to all. Don’t be a rude driver. Don’t keep a record of wrongs against pastors, teachers, healthcare workers, or police officers. Don’t become easily angered with parents, spouses, and children. Show patience and kindness to everyone.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:11-12).

Saved? Then, live out love.