Weekly Thought – May 13, 2025
Fred told his family in a conversation about his death: “I don’t want you to need me; I want you to love me.” He didn’t want dependence, but he greatly appreciated devotion.
Living Through Love
Love creates an environment that strengthens the will to live. Love brings joy to our life when there is little to rejoice about. We appreciate being loved so much that we sometimes forget the responsibility that comes with being loved. Those who love us want us to live, not die. We often talk about pursuing a life worth living, and I am convinced that understanding the value of love is a tremendous part of that endeavor. Many tell me I am too strong-willed to die, but I believe that the realization I can contribute and I am loved gives me purpose.
Doctors say that many old people who are reportedly died of “natural causes” really die of loneliness. Current medical research shows that we can literally die of broken hearts. Conversely, studies show that people who receive care and prayer tend to live longer and richer lives than those who don’t.
Just as God’s greatest gift to us is His love, so out greatest gift to one another should be our love one for another – and for Him. Love does not need to be earned; it is given. And so, no matter how incapacitated we are, we can still experience being loved – and loving.
Love is the strongest sustaining emotion we can fell. Acts of love are as important as the words of love. One of my favorite times in the day is when my daughter, comes in, pats me on the arm, kisses me on the forehead, and says, “I will see you in the morning.” When I was pronounced dying by my doctor, she said, “No, I will take him home and he will live.” That is exactly what happened. There is power in love.
Even though my bride of 67 years is now in heaven, I still celebrate Valentine’s Day – for her.
This week think about: 1) Who do I love and who loves me? 2) How can I better understand the responsibilities of loving? 3) When do I sense the love of God?
Words of Wisdom: “I believe that the realization I can contribute and I am loved gives me purpose to live.”
Wisdom from the Word: “I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34 NET Bible)