Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and love is in the air. It’s said that love makes the world go ’round, which essentially means that life is better when we love one another. But what does that love look like?
A Love that Sees.
Love that changes the world is a love that sees. Compassionate and focused on the needs of others around us, this love urges us to be centered on serving others more than ourselves. Standing in stark contrast with the love this world offers, which is a fickle emotion that can flee as feelings change, the kind of love that makes the world go ’round sees the whole person rather than how that person can make us happy. This love leaves a legacy of care when people feel seen and accepted.
A Love that Knows.
In a fast-paced world, it is easy to miss knowing one another more deeply. But love that makes the world go ’round takes time to continue to know people—their pains and joys—so they know how best to love them. This love doesn’t take the other person for granted and invests in the privilege of knowing others more, recognizing their intrinsic worth. This kind of love leaves a legacy of thoughtfulness as those in our sphere feel cherished.
A Love that Gives.
The gifts we give say a lot about how well we love. It isn’t the amount as much as it is the thoughtfulness behind the gift. When we see and know those we are blessed to have in our inner circle, we will look to give them something that blesses them. This kind of love is generous and leaves a legacy for others to do the same—paying this love forward to others.
A Love that is Shown.
How does the way you treat others in your sphere leave a legacy of love? As Paul said, love should be behind all we say and do. “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). When we have experienced the perfect love of Christ that has transformed us, we are better able to understand what love is and show that love to others.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8).
In all the division so prevalent in the world, genuine selfless love is what can still move hearts toward unity today. How we love others leaves a legacy that truly can change the world.
Yours for a Thriving Legacy,
Jeff Rogers
