The Love Factor

     With Valentines’ Day fast approaching my thoughts are dominated by the romance this day represents.  In years past I would stick with tradition when it came to giving my spouse a gift.  Flowers and candy are still the most popular way to show your love on this particular day (check out the lines at your local Chocolatier or Florist Shop this time of year), however, after 21 years of marriage, I’ve moved beyond the expected displays of affection.   I want the gift I choose to last more than one day.  I want it to be meaningful to my significant other.  It has to have the Love Factor. 

    The Word of God teaches us to love one another, as Christ loved us.  Jesus’ love for us cost him dearly.  It should also cost us something, and I don’t mean financially, that would be too easy.  Letting go of past hurts can be hard to do, but the Lord’s Prayer tells us to forgive the trespasses of others, as God forgives our sins.  You can give the gift of GRACE and forgive your spouse for that time he or she really let you down, hurt your pride, or destroyed your trust.   It will free you both.  We have access to give and receive this grace when we tap into the power of the Love Factor.

    Here’s a gift you could give that isn’t entirely selfless…the gift of touch.  Hold you mate’s hand, run your hands through their hair, kiss them and linger there.  Feelings follow actions, so if you’ve been physically distant from each other just get started, both your bodies will be flooded with Dopamine (the love hormone), which God created in us to neutralize the stress hormone cortisol. If there has been a higher level of stress in your relationship, you need the Love Factor.  

     What if we also chose to look at our spouse with the same compassionate eyes as Christ, and become their #1 encourager in this life?  Imagine the difference it would make in their day to hear these affirming words:  “I love you, I have faith in you, and I see the best in you.”  This is exactly what I hear the Holy Spirit say to me, even on my worst day.  Our mate has bad days too; the world can be unkind to them, therefore choose to be a kind, positive force in their life.  A wonderful wife, mother, and gifted speaker by the name of Kathleen Hart once told me that her goal is to; “be a little bit of heaven on earth to her husband, Archibald.”   Find a way to do that for your spouse every day.

     I’m determined to celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day every day.  I am so glad that God created marriage to sharpen and mature us, and gave us a partner to have and to hold through both the good and bad times.  God knew it was not good for man to be alone, so be thankful that you have each other and you have the Love Factor; Jesus Christ to lead the way.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph. 4:32