Biblical Answer

Showing Love to Those Around Us Without Expecting Anything in Return

As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This means showing love to those around us, regardless of their background or relationship with us. One way to do this is by being intentional in our interactions with others. This can be as simple as greeting them with a smile, praying for them, listening to them, and touching them with affection. These small acts of kindness can go a long way in showing others that we care.

However, loving others without expecting anything in return can be challenging, especially when we feel taken for granted or when our efforts are not reciprocated. In such situations, we need to be willing to openly confess our errors and demonstrate our commitment to live differently. We may need to change our habits of indifference or busyness and make an effort to reach out and touch one another with affection. As the Bible says, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7). We need to be willing to bear with others, even when they are not reciprocating our love.

In addition to being intentional and willing to bear with others, we also need to be creative in finding ways to show love to those around us. This can involve planning activities that make focused attention easier, such as walks, sitting before fireplaces, scenic drives, and picnics. It can also involve making a conscious effort to send messages of love in direct, personal, specific, and ever-fresh ways. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind... it does not seek its own" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). When we show love to others without expecting anything in return, we demonstrate the character of God, who loves us unconditionally and without expecting anything in return. By doing so, we reflect the beauty and power of God's love in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.