Love is a Verb
Love is an action, a spiritual practice, and a choice. I began writing this piece before the death of President Jimmy Carter, but after listening to the tributes and eulogy for his life, my direction changed. Clearly, Jimmy Carter’s life epitomized “love is a verb”. Following his “failed” one-term presidency, he decided not to preserve fame and generate wealth with speaking engagements or serving on corporate boards. Instead, Carter chose to seek divine wisdom in loving his poorest and most vulnerable neighbors as himself. He understood that as an ordinary citizen he had the power to create change, and it was his faith that guided his choice to serve love.
Verbs of love that drove action in the world for Jimmy Carter include:
- Seeing each human being as an image of God;
- Listening and being present for others;
- Not judging others based on circumstances or cultural standards;
- and, enabling God’s children to live in abundance.
What other verbs come to mind for you?
We can make the same choice in our own ordinary and daily lives. Our acts of love may be as simple as acknowledging strangers with a smile or taking time to listen to a friend who needs an ear, without judgment, and being fully present. This can be hard to do. If simply being present is hard for you, you can choose something more active: sharing a meal that you prepare or buy; inviting a friend for a walk; cleaning a friend’s house who is not feeling well; grocery shopping, etc. And yes, being there for happy events is also an act of love. Sharing joys and concerns with one another is love in action.
Being non-judgmental and seeing the image of God in every face is a challenge for me. I struggle when people’s behaviors and words wound me or seem divisive. Simple acts like driving in traffic or listening to the news can become charged, stressful activities.
These are times to remember that you belong to God and that we are all children of God. Pastor Emeritus, Art Ross, often reminded us that we all are trying to do the best we can, given who we are. His phrase can help us to see God in others and to practice being non-judgmental.
WMPC offers many opportunities to support each other and our neighbors. You can become a mentor with StepUp Ministry or a trained Stephen Minister, participate in Servant Saturdays, work at Note in the Pocket, or the garden at Alliance Medical. You are the only one who knows your abilities and resources. Ask for discernment and go wherever God leads you. How you choose to create your works of love is the right way for you.
Mary Ann Turner, Member, Health Ministry Team