1 Corinthians 13:4, Hebrews 43:1, Matthew 5:44, 1 Corinthians 13:6, Matthew 28:20, Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 56:8, John 8:31, John 13:35

David Kramer reflects on how to show love

David Kramer

I am writing this quite early in January. At the same time, I am having a New Year sort out - in the process of which I came across the following among a pile of paperwork.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year olds; 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined, see what you think.

Hear are some of their answers, to some of which I've added a scripture reference or made a comment:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So, my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when he got arthritis to. That's love." Rebecca - age 8
"Love is patient and kind" 1 Corinthians 13:4.

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Hebrews 43:1.

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7

WOW!

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend you hate."
Nikka - age 6
",,, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44.

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6
"Love never ends." 1 Corinthians 13:6.

"During my piano recital, I was on stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8
"behold, I am with you always. " Matthew 28:20.

"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - age 6
We can have absolute security in Fathers love for us, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3.

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8

And finally:

"Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry."
"You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?" Psalm 56:8.

Jesus said, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples." John 8:31.
And, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35.

Let's decide that, whatever else we are involved in, we will 'make love our aim."