There is a story told of a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. The little boy hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it if it will save her.”

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the colour returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?”.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all his blood to save her. Yet, he was prepared to do just that. That is LOVE.

Love is not a feeling; love is a doing; an action and it drives the ways we respond to others. It is about giving without counting the cost, without any expectation of receiving in return. Love is a force of nature; it is bigger than you and me. Spiritual author Henri Nouwen said, “What we have received is so beautiful and so rich that we cannot hold it for ourselves but feel compelled to bring it to every human being we meet” [Bread for the Journey].

Love comes from God and it brings God’s healing touch. Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment:^* love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” [John 13:34].

If you want lasting change in your life, fill your life with love. Love is the only thing that can change the unchangeable. Love invigorates. Love revitalises. Love renews. Love refreshes. Love is the most powerful force in the universe because God is love. Scripture does not say God has love; it says God is love. Love heals what cannot otherwise be healed. Love uplifts. Love strengthens. Love energises. Love empowers.

When we are prosperous, we underrate love. When we feel important, we do not appreciate love. And even in happiness and sorrow we overlook love. Only with time do we realise the true value of love. Why wait? Cherish love every day of your life.

The love you crave is already in your heart. You are love and you can radiate that love to others. Because I am love, I can choose to show love. Acknowledge the great love God has for you by sharing it with each person whose path crosses yours. Love can only be passed on and shared. Love is sharing and giving.

Love is all of those things St Paul describes: “…if I am without love, I am nothing…. “Love is always patient and kind; … never jealous … not boastful or conceited … never seeks its own advantage  …does not take offence or store up grievances… does not rejoice at wrongdoing … finds its joy in the truth… always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. Love never comes to an end” [1 Corinthians 13:4-8].

By pouring love into your immediate environment and practicing gentleness in all your thoughts, words, and actions, your immediate circle of friends will begin responding in a whole new way. When you can live this way and reject all thoughts and actions that are not of an unconditionally loving nature, you will experience the essence of your spirit and discover how to overcome limitations in your life.

While praying one day a woman asked, “Who are you, God?” He answered, “I AM.”  “But who is I AM?” she asked. God replied, “I Am Love, I Am Peace, I Am Grace, I Am Joy, I Am Strength, I Am the Creator, I Am the Comforter, I Am the Beginning and the End, I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” With tears in her eyes she looked toward Heaven and said, “Now I understand, but who am I?” God tenderly wiped the tears from her eyes and whispered, “You are Mine.”

Live life as it is meant to be lived; reveal love and compassion in your daily life. Love is the key. And remember, you are God’s and God ALWAYS loves you.

Have a golden day and treasure life!