14 Ways to Show Love to Your Loved Ones

What God's Word Says about Love

There are more lasting ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love than with cards and candy. Although technically not a Christian holiday, Valentine’s Day does encourage us to show love to one another – something God Himself tells us to do again and again in His Word. Showing love to one another always pleases God.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:18, NIV).

1. Help Them Out of a Tight Spot

When Jesus attended a wedding with His mother, she asked Him to help the hosts when they ran out of wine. We may not be able to miraculously solve a problem, but God has gifted us in other ways to help. (John 2:1-11)

2. Get Them Help When You Can't Help Them

A paralyzed man received healing from Jesus because his friends dropped him through a roof at Jesus' feet. They were willing to do whatever it took it to get help for their friend! (Mark 2:1-12)

3. Pray for Them

The Bible is full of people praying for the ones they love. The church prayed for Peter in jail (Acts 12:5). Jesus prayed for the disciples (John 17:6-19). Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers (Ephesians 1:15-23).

4. Rebuke Them When Needed

Sometimes the best way we can love someone is by graciously confronting their sinful, destructive behavior (Proverbs 27:6, Matthew 18:15-17).

5. Freely Forgive Offenses

Jesus eliminated the limit on forgiveness when Peter asked how many times he should forgive (Matthew 18:21-22). Some hurts seem unforgivable, but with God's help it's possible to "promote love" through forgiveness (Proverbs 17:9).

6. Humbly Serve Them

Jesus set the example (John 13:1-17). He calls us – His followers - to also humbly and graciously serve others (Gal 5:13).

7. Meet Their Physical Needs

Scripture is clear. If we see a brother in need, have the means to help but don't, our love for God should be questioned (1 John 3:17).

8. Rejoice and Mourn with Them

We show deep care for others when their hurts and joys are also ours. Don't hold back. Let the tears and the cheers flow! (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

9. Show Kindness to Someone They Love

King David expressed his deep bond of friendship for Jonathan by caring for Jonathan's crippled son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13).

10. Intercede with Others on Their Behalf

11. Help Two Loved Ones Work Out Their Differences

Does strife exist between two people you love? Be a mediator and help them mend their relationship. Paul asked the believers in Philippi to help two women in their church who were at odds (Philippians 4:2-3).

12. Introduce Them to Jesus

Does a loved one desperately need to know Jesus? Share the Good News! Andrew introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:35-42).

13. Encourage and Disciple Them in Their Relationship with Christ

The author of Hebrews tells us to "spur one another on to good works" and "encourage one another" daily (Hebrews 10:24-25).

14. Lay Down Your Life

Seems pretty drastic, but that's exactly how Jesus showed His love for us (John 15:12-13). The basic principle has much broader application than actual physical death. Jesus calls us to unselfishly seek put others ahead of ourselves.

Show Love in Action

Wow! Buying a card and a box of chocolates is a lot easier. But Hallmark and Hershey don't say love like real love in action. Show somebody you love them today!

Kathy Howard is the author of 7 books including the new Bible study, “Lavish Grace: Poured Out, Poured Through, and Overflowing.” This unique 9-week study of Paul’s experiences with and teachings about grace, will help you recognize, rest in, and share the glorious grace of God. You can find more of Kathy's work at www.kathyhoward.org.

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