2019-02 God is Love

Love the people God gave you because one day He will need them back.

February is often considered the month of love; however, it is important that we express love to the special people in our lives as often as possible regardless of the time of year or a special day.

For those of us who have lived long enough, we know all too well the truth and sorrow of the beginning quotation. God will indeed get them back one day-sometimes with warning through weeks, months, and years of health challenges, sometimes peacefully through natural causes after a long, long life, and sometimes with immediate and painful unexpected shock.

Love your family and friends while they can receive and feel it. Love them with words, with touch, and with deeds of kindness. You will be making the memories that will stick with you for the remainder of your life. Make them tender, funny, thoughtful, and affectionate. When you interact with your loved ones in those ways although the grief process will still be ongoing perhaps for many years or even the rest of your life, the way that you loved will be a source of comfort, fond memories, and healing as much as is possible. 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Years ago, in the Beckley/Oak Hill WV area, a beloved Sunday morning radio show would begin with a beautiful song, “Give Me My Flowers,” sang by the gospel group, The Consolers. Below are two of the stanzas which complement this month’s inspiration. As well, you can actually play the song that represents precious memories in our area.

Give me my flowers while I yet live
So that I can see the beauty they bring

Speak kind words to me while I can hear them
So that I can feel the comfort – I want to feel what they bring

From the 1961 album “Give Me My Flowers”

Original Song (1955) written by Sullivan Pugh

Finally, in this month of love and every day, draw near to the one who loves us all best – our heavenly Father. He is our example of love – He IS love. He loved us before He spoke the sun in the sky, and He loves us unconditionally even when we don’t quite get the love thing right. Psalm 136:26 tells us to “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

The Ritchie & Johnson staff encourages you to email us through our Contact page or call us at (304) 252-4115 if you have questions or need our assistance. Have a blessed February.