Ten Ways To Love - #1 & 2: Listen and Speak

One could say that February is considered the month of "love".

Smack dab in the middle of the month is Valentine's Day....the day couples celebrate love.

For some, love is a mushy sentiment, which includes sending love letters and poetry, flowers and candy. Some believe that the evidence of love should be butterflies in your stomach, holding hands, cuddling, and kissing. And unfortunately, many believe sex equals love. 

The Bible talks a lot about love. Interestingly enough, none of the above is ever mentioned as defining love. That's because love is much more than the temporary emotions, physical pleasure, or outward appearances. 

1 Corinthians 13 is considered the 'love chapter' of the Bible.

Most Christians are familiar with this chapter and it's definition of love.

But, we can find the subject of love and what characteristics are evidence of "real" love throughout the Bible. 

 Here is a list of just a few ways to 'really' love others:

Today, I am going to discuss the tongue and listening(the first 2 on the list above), instead of speaking. 

You may ask, "What does that have to do with love?"

Well lets check it out.

If you read through all of Proverbs 18, wisdom and unselfishness are achieved only by listening to others.

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

 Proverbs 18:2

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
Proverbs 18:13

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

We also read in the New Testament that a wise and loving person listens first and speaks second.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 

 James 1:19

Loving others means being willing to listen to them and speaking words of love and kindness, not with accusations and anger. How many times have we ever interrupted others who are talking because we had something more 'important' to say?   I know I'm guilty! I could learn to show love towards others more by listening. 

In my next post, I will cover, yet another characteristic of love from the list of "Ten Ways To Love". So, stop on back. 

I am also continuing to add to my list of  'gifts', as I continue in the Joy Dare.

A song heard, a soft word, a light seen

1,210 - In song: What a beautiful, uplifting song!

1,211 - A soft word: 

 "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1

1,212 - A light seen: "The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:8

A gift on paper, in a person, in beauty

1,213 - on paper:The anniversary card my hubby gave me.

1,214 - in person: My hubby, taking me out to a fancy restaurant; he's truly a gift from God!!

1,215 - in beauty: flowers from my hubby

3 gifts red: (my 3 favorite shades of red)

1,216 - Maroon: described as half way between bright red and black, Maroon is the only color variant here which is a true shade of pure red; deep and true, not flashy; example: Chocolate Cosmos(the great part, too, is that they smell like chocolate!)

source

1,217 -  Coral-Red: Increasing amounts of blue light are added, and this makes the end tone much more pinkish; a little playful and summery; example: aptly named, it's is the color found in coral reefs.

 

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1,218 - Claret: A dark or grayish purplish red to dark purplish pink; because I've always loved the color purple, this deep red color has been a favorite; example: the color of boysenberry jam.

 

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Great info. on the color red - (Shades and Tones of Red), (The Power of Red)

3 gifts in writing:

1,219 - Loved this post from Ann Voskamp, written a few years ago.    "How to Really Write a Love Letter"

1,220 - Reading old entries from my journals; good memories, thoughtful reminders of His provision in my life!

1,221 -The written Word...the ultimate gift in writing!!

    

Linking over at these blog parties: 
Multitude on Mondays (A Holy Experience)  

  Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)

Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace) 
UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)