We don’t always freely express the love we feel for each other. Perhaps we assume it’s understood. And maybe it is. But even still, it’s not enough to merely say we love each other. We must show the evidence of our love throughout our daily lives.
To be sure, some people are just more emotionally expressive. And there’s generally little doubt about how these individuals feel. But showing the evidence of our love is not just about these sappy and romantic declarations of affection.
There’s nothing wrong with these per se, but affection is not always the same as love. In fact, our affectionate displays might simply communicate more of how we feel about the other rather than truly loving them well.
Love is providing what is needed and a willingness to sacrifice our personal interest for the sake of the other. And so the evidence of our love must include some genuine interest in the wellbeing of the other for their own sake and not ours.
For instance, this might be getting our wife a gift, writing her a note, or planning time together simply because we know it will bring her joy. And while it comes at a cost, we’re willing to make this sacrifice for her sake.
All the same, while the love is for her, it does not depend on her responses. Some days she might be warm and receptive to our love, and other days, not so much. But we show the evidence all the same. God holds us responsible for our faithful love toward her. We’re not responsible for how she responds.
In the end, there’s more to love than just talk and feelings. Let your life show the evidence of your love by actively bringing more good throughout your life and relationships.
Photo by Chermiti Mohamed on Unsplash
