ANSWER:
SHOW GOD’S LOVE BY LISTENING
In today’s culture, it seems like so many voices are speaking (and often shouting). Communication is always at our fingertips through email, text, social media, and the 24-hour news cycle.
While social media has increased communication, it has also given us the false appearance of true connection and real relationships. In fact, Generation Z, who are the most “connected,” is considered the loneliest generation.
It is rare for people to feel truly heard.
Commit to slow down, ask questions, and really listen to people. Listen to understand, not just to prepare your response. Allow people to speak their mind without interruption or judgement. People will feel valued (and loved!) when they are heard and understood.
SHOW GOD’S LOVE WITH GENEROSITY
Can you think of a time in your life when someone showed you such generosity that you still think, “Wow, I can’t believe they did that for me.”
Maybe it was a gift of their time when you needed someone.Maybe it was a financially generous gift. Perhaps they shared kind words, or stood up for you in a difficult time. How did that moment make you feel?
You probably felt loved. You felt seen. You felt valued to the point that you still remember that act of generosity.
When we love someone, we give to them. That loving characteristic comes from God! After all, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave…”
He loved, so He gave. We love our spouse, children, friends, so we give to them. God created His love to be a generous kind of love.
Of course, people think of money when talking about generosity, and that is definitely one aspect of generosity. But, how can you also be generous with your time, talents, and your voice?
Who can you invest some time into, either by helping them out with a practical need or some quality time? What special skills or talents can you provide? Who can you advocate for or encourage?
SHOW GOD’S LOVE BY ENCOURAGING
Everyone we meet is carrying some kind of burden. Even the most “put-together” people have something weighing them down. Just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it’s not heavy.
How can we help to lift someone’s burdens? It can be as simple as words of encouragement.
The word “encourage” comes from an Old French word that means to “make strong.” When we encourage another, we are making their spirits strong. We are strengthening the hope, their faith, and their resolve to keep going.
Don’t hesitate to speak life-giving words into someone’s circumstances. It can’t hurt, and it most certainly can help someone gain strength in their life.
SHOW GOD’S LOVE WITH ACTS OF KINDNESS
Showing kindness means thinking about the other person more than you think about yourself. What are their needs? What would make their lives better?
It doesn’t have to be huge, but it should be thoughtful. Being thoughtful and kind communicates to the other person that you value their needs above your own.
Selfless love comes from God. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says that love “is not self-seeking.”
Practice being others-focused. Show God’s love with acts of kindness. Looking for ideas? Here’s a huge list of Acts of Kindness.
SHOW GOD’S LOVE BY PRAYING FOR OTHERS
Pray for people! Yes, pray for them in your own time with God, because God hears our prayers. But, also pray for people when you’re with them.
One of the easiest ways to show love and concern is to pray with someone right then and there. In any conversation, at any time, simply ask, “How can I pray for you?”
If someone mentions they’re sick, stressed, or excited, simply ask, “Can I pray for you?”
And then pray with them. Show them love and genuinely pray for their needs or thank God for their good news. See how God works through those powerful moments of prayer.
We have collectively done this hundreds of times and have countless stories of people overcome with appreciation, love, and genuine heart change. It’s also a great way to open up a conversation about faith.
