Read: John 3:1-17

I can show love to this congregation by . . .

Asking how you are today and next week and the week after that
Being kind at all times regarding any division that might separate us: age, background, infirmity, faith walk, politics
Cherishing time together before, during, and after worship—and through the week
Doing flowers for the altar, lovingly and intentionally
Edifying each member of this body in all I say and do
Facing uncertain times at your side
Giving of my time and talents: reading, writing, singing, stitching
Holding your hand (and walking my talk, i.e. moving to and sitting in a different pew to do so)
Investing in your life story: your background, family, career, hobbies, hardships, joys, travels, celebrations, and grandkids (and yes, even dogs and grand dogs!)
Joining your table at coffee hour
Keeping appointments and obligations and promises I’ve made to you and the church
Listening
Mourning with you
Nursing your wounds, literally and figuratively, by word and action
Opening my heart to yours—and not being afraid to do so
Praying with you and for you
Quietly seeking you out
Reaching out to you by phone or email or text in between worship services
Studying God’s Word with you one-on-one or in a group, in person or via Zoom
Taking time to sit with you or talk with you or walk with you
Using unusual and creative ways to show love (valentines aren’t only for February)
Visiting you when you are sick and administering prayers for healing
Worshipping beside you, in and out of the church building
Xing-out any negative thoughts that cross my mind
Yielding to you in conversation
Zeroing in on your needs, mind-to-mind and heart-to-heart and soul-to-soul

Dear Lord and Author of Life, take these simple letters and help us to mold them into love in action, showing one another that we truly care. Amen.
-Ashley Sweeney