“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality”
- Romans 12:9-13 NIV
Now I may just be an old dog stretched out on the floor with an eyes half open gaze and a doggy smile on my face, but I know a thing or two about love.
Valentine’s Day comes around with its red hearts and chocolate treats.
Humans get all stirred up about flowers and candlelight dinners.
And don’t get me wrong—I’m not opposed to a good treat but I’ve been known to sit a little straighter when I smell steak on the grill.
But real love?
Real love doesn’t come wrapped in shiny paper.
Real love shows up.
When my human comes home weary from a long day—CEO responsibilities on his shoulders, sermon notes in his briefcase—I don’t ask him if he brought me anything.
I don’t evaluate whether he earned my affection.
I just meet him at the door.
Tail wagging.
Eyes bright.
Heart ready.
That’s the kind of love Paul talks about in Romans 12.
“Love must be sincere.”
A dog doesn’t fake it.
If I love you, you’ll know it.
I’ll lean into your body.
I’ll sit at your feet.
I’ll stay close when the thunder rolls in and closer still when your world does.
“Be devoted to one another in love.”
Devoted.
That means sticking around.
Not just when it’s easy.
Not just when the roses are fresh and the cards are signed.
Devoted when the bank account feels tight.
Devoted when the diagnosis isn’t what you hoped for.
Devoted when words come out wrong and forgiveness needs to be quicker than pride.
Love in action looks like clinging to what is good—even when the world howls otherwise.
It looks like honoring others above yourself.
I’ve noticed something about humans.
You like to win.
You like the last word.
You like the best seat at the table.
But love scoots the chair out for someone else.
Love listens longer than it talks.
Love gives the bigger piece of pie.
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Hospitality.
That’s a fancy word for making room.
My human makes room for me at his feet.
He makes room for others at his table.
And together, we make room in our hearts.
Valentine’s Day is a good reminder—but it’s not the goal.
One day of flowers won’t make up for 364 days of indifference.
Love that honors Christ isn’t seasonal.
It’s daily.
It’s steady.
It’s lived out in kitchens and boardrooms and sanctuaries.
It’s lived out when you forgive before you’re asked.
When you serve without being seen.
When you pray for someone who may never know it.
That’s love in action.
And the greatest picture of that love?
Not a greeting card.
Not a dozen roses.
A cross.
The love of Christ wasn’t sentimental.
It was sacrificial.
It moved toward us before we ever wagged a tail in His direction.
So tomorrow, if you buy flowers, buy them gladly.
If you write a card, write it thoughtfully.
But don’t stop there.
Meet someone at the door of their hard day.
Honor someone who feels overlooked.
Open your door.
Open your heart.
And maybe—just maybe—wag a little more than you bark.
Because sincere love isn’t loud.
It’s faithful.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
