I heard of a great tool to teach my grandchildren about love recently. It’s from Family Life Today. It can be used for several purposes, but its main goal is to teach about love as we head into Valentine’s Day.

I heard about it on their program, was intrigued, looked it up and purchased it. I’m so glad that I did because it’s exactly what I thought it would be.

Today I’m going to share something about each one of the cards. Let’s learn about love!

The center heart is taken from 1 John 4:19. “We love because He first loved us.” These words are to be the center of love. It is the center heart. It’s where our love comes from. This realization is cause to rejoice. “May you grow together in the wonder of being loved unconditionally by God and learn to give love generously to others.”

The remaining hearts use the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13 as their scriptural source.

One heart says “Love is patient” and inside it says, “Love chooses self-control.” And “Love does not retaliate.” And “Love is willing to wait calmly.” Aren’t these great phrases to teach our children about being patient and how it fits into love?

One heart says “Love is kind.” Inside it lets us know that “Love is inviting, sympathetic, and warm to all people.” “Love sees. It feels compassion and acts.” These simple phrases helps us understand how love is kind.

“Love does not envy.” On the inside of this card are some interesting phrases. “Love is content, trusting God each day.” And then there’s “Jealousy blocks out love by turning your eyes on yourself and what you don’t have.” What great words to help understand this concept.

One heart tells us, “Love does not boast,” and inside we see “Love trusts that God sees all and believes he will reward fairly.” “Boasting thinks your way is the best way.” And then it ends with “Words matter.”

“Love is not arrogant” is on the next heart. “Love shows honor and respect to others” is listed inside. As well as, “Love knows everyone’s story is important.” These are good words for adults to hear.

And then, “Love is not rude.” “Love does not treat people roughly.” “Love does not use bad manners but is gracious.” Do your children or grandchildren need to learn this concept? I know mine could use a dose of this one.

“Love does not insist on its own way.” On the inside of this card we read, “Love looks for and listens to the needs of others.” And this is good. “Love is directed by the golden rule.” A great way to teach about treating others as you’d like to be treated!

And guess what, there are still eight more cards to go! These cards are filled with examples and biblical references and prayers and resources. I cannot wait to read every bit of writing on them.

I heard an interview with Barbara Rainey who wrote these cards and she said it took her a while to put them together. I now know why. These are filled with wonderful ideas and I’m sure will be a blessing to my family by learning about love through the next few weeks and months.

I don’t usually promote products here, but this is one that I’d suggest for any parent or grandparent who finds difficulty with how their children love others. Let’s face it; we all could use a little help every now and then.

If you’d like to purchase your own set of “How Do I Love Thee?” cards, you may do so by visiting the website here. http://shop.familylife.com/p-3480-how-do-i-love-thee-valentines-kit.aspx

We read throughout Scripture that we are to love others. That’s part of the mission of Rocky Mountain Christian Church where I attend. Jesus’ words are pretty clear in Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV).

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Yes, Jesus knew the importance of love and how it should affect our lives. He also knew that when we loved God and others, everything would fall into place.

The Apostle Paul understood this idea as well. After writing about love in the love chapter of the Bible, he has this to say about love. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 – NIV)

After glimpsing through these cards, I believe there are several concepts about love that I need to learn. I look forward to opening my heart to what God has to tell me through this tool. I pray that God’s love will touch your heart as well.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna