Sunday, January 29, 2012

Five Creative Ways to Share the Love of God in February


When you think of Valentine's Day you probably have visions of cupid aiming his arrow, romantic dinners, bouquets of roses and candy hearts that say "I love you." But apart from all the hoopla and at the very center of it's message, February 14th is about showing someone you love them.

And since God IS LOVE, why not use the month of February to take extra time letting others know how much HE loves them?



Although there are countless numbers of ways to do this, I have listed five to help get the ideas flowing:
  1. Make scripture "love notes" to pass out. Leave them for your waiter along with your tip, hand them to the cashier as you go through your favorite fast food place, leave on a co-worker's desk, pass to a stranger, etc.
  2. Pay it forward. Do something nice for a stranger without expecting anything in return, only that they "pay it forward" and do something nice for someone else. Leave an encouraging note or scripture with your act of kindness.
  3. Invite someone to lunch for the purpose of exhorting and encouraging them (think of someone who has had a bad week).
  4. Send out a mass email offering to pray for any needs or requests for those who respond.
  5. Play "Secret Santa" and give God the credit. Bless someone with a gift and leave an anonymous note that says, "Jesus loves you or God's thoughts of you today are too many to count."
Notice how each of these is used as a tool to remind people of the love of God (or maybe let them know for the first time). The purpose is not to bring glory or recognition to ourselves, but to Him alone.

Do you have any creative outreach ideas you'd like to share?

"I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another," (John 13:34).

9 friends had this to say:

Stefanie Brown said...

Wonderful ideas! Thank you...

Amy Sullivan said...

Just saw the prayer request through Jen...um, hello, you can do it, you can do it. You've got this one, girl.

Super pumped for you.

Slamdunk said...

Creative list Shelly.

The email idea is a great one.

Many years ago I was assigned certain members of our church to call once a month. I'd check-in and ask if they had any special needs or prayer requests.

After a few months of establishing trust, I was always amazed at how full my prayer list would be after making the calls. Certainly just asking is always encouraged.

joy said...

Love your list! I am focusing on being present with others. Just giving them my time - it's hard for me to settle down, but I am working on it.

Shelly said...

Thanks, everyone! :)

Debbie said...

Wonderful ideas!

Denise J. Hughes said...

"And since God IS LOVE, why not use the month of February to take extra time letting others know how much HE loves them?"

I love this! What a great idea. Okay, I'm officially inspired. My husband and I been wanting to do some things, intentionally things, with our kids. And these are some great ideas. Thank you!

momto8 said...

every random act of kinds adds to the kindness in this world...what a beautiful way to celebrate love!!
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

Andrea said...

Great list!