The Power of Love, Value, and Self-Care

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

You can’t truly love without giving. God Himself showed us the ultimate example of love by giving His only Son, Jesus Christ, for our redemption.

John 3:16 reminds us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

This divine act of love was not just spoken, but demonstrated in the most profound way.

So, let’s make it a priority to show the people in our lives that we love them while we can. Whether it's through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being present, these actions will leave lasting impressions, turning fleeting moments into enduring memories.

2.   Value People: Relationships Matter

In a world where productivity and achievements often overshadow human connections, it’s crucial to remember the importance of valuing people. Relationships are the fabric of our lives, and how we treat others reflects the value we place on them.

When you value people, it shows in how you treat them. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to affirm someone’s worth. Whether it's listening intently, offering encouragement, or simply acknowledging their presence, these small acts can make a big difference.

As Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Let’s use the acronym VALUE to remember how we should treat others:
V – Validate their feelings and experiences.
A – Acknowledge their worth and contributions.
L – Listen with empathy and understanding.
U – Uplift them with kindness and encouragement.
E – Encourage growth and positive change.

By living out these principles, we honour the people God has placed in our lives, fostering relationships that are rich and meaningful.

3.     Practice Self-Care: Even Jesus Rested

It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of life and neglect our own needs. However, self-care is not a luxury - it's a necessity. Even Jesus, during His time on earth, demonstrated the importance of rest and self-care.

In Mark 6:31, Jesus says to His disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

He understood that in order to pour into others, we must first be filled.

You can't give from an empty vessel. If you keep pouring out without replenishing, eventually, you'll have nothing left to give. Taking time for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation is essential to living a balanced life and being able to serve others effectively.

Moreover, self-care involves being your authentic self.

Psalm 139:14 reminds us, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Embrace who you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses. When we live authentically, we honour the unique way God has created us, and we are better equipped to love others, value them, and turn moments into memories.

Conclusion
As we journey through life, let’s commit to showing love through our actions, valuing the people around us, and taking the time to care for ourselves. These principles, grounded in our Christian faith, help us transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. By living out our faith with integrity, creativity, passion, and compassion, we can make a lasting impact on our families, communities, and the world around us.

So today, let’s start by showing love, valuing relationships, and practicing self-care, because these are the building blocks of a life well-lived, a life that turns moments into memories.