“My command is this: Love each
other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12 (NIV)
Candace had spent the day
running errands for her son’s birthday party the next day. The day had been
rainy and cold. When she arrived home, she realized she’d forgotten the
balloons and cake at her local grocery store.
She sighed and turned to go
back out when her husband stopped her. He handed her a mug of her favorite
coffee. “You’ve been on your feet all day. Let me take care of this and you
relax. I’ve already got dinner in the oven.”
Candace smiled and accepted
the warm mug gratefully. As she watched her husband grab the umbrella and head
back out, she couldn’t help but reflect on their early years as a married
couple. She’d been frustrated that her husband said nothing more than the
occasional, “I love you”. She longed for words of affirmation.
When she shared the concern
with an elderly woman at her church, the woman smiled. She explained that
Candace’s husband was probably showing love in a different way.
Once Candace realized her
husband liked to show her he cared by doing things for her, like taking out the
garbage or making dinner for her. Once she understood this, Candace was able to
hear him say, “I love you” in the way he washed her car, mowed the lawn, and
helped with the grocery shopping.
God, help me to hear the different ways my friends and
family show me that they love me. Teach me how to return their affection in the
way they need me to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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