Nothing is more vital to the Christian life than to walk daily after the spirit.  It is this that maintains the Christian in a constant spiritual state, delivers him from the power of the flesh, assists him in obeying God's will always, and shields him from the assults of Satan.

We should pour out all the burdens of our spirits in prayer until the burdens have all left us.  The more that is poured out, the happier we will be.  A common temptation, though, is to cease praying before the burden is lifted.  When we begin to feel buoyant in our spirits, we assume our prayer is answered, not realizing that we are just beginning in spiritual work.

 

Wise Counsel
We love because God first loved us.  If you are going to be a change agent in someone's life, love needs to be so given over to them that they feel that you prize and value them like no one else on this earth.

ACTION STEPS

1.  Be Realistic
~Everyone needs to feel loved and accepted, but no one will be loved and accepted by everyone.
~It is unreasonable to expect that your friends or family will never be upset or diappointed.

2.  Refuse to Be Offended
~It doesnt matter who your friends are or what family you belong to or where you work, the opportunity to be offended will come.  Wherever people are together, sparks will fly.  Do not take the opportunity to be offended.
~Too many people leave friends, jobs, organizations, or even marriages because they have been offended.  This is not the answer to problems in relationships.  You must work through these situations if you expect to grow and mature into the person God wants you to be.

3  Get Involve
~Find an activity that will force you to associate with other people.  It doesn't matter what activity or hobby you choose.  The goal is to get into a situation where other people will get to know you better.
~Join a club or organization or ministry that you haven't been a part of before and be committed for no less than three months of involvment.
~Write in a journal about the social interaction you experience.
~Call someone at least once a week from the ministry or club you join.

4  Pay Attention to the Primary Love Language
~Love in the way others want to be loved.

BIBLICAL INSIGHTS
Ecclesiates 4:9-19
John 15:12-13
1Corinthians 13:7
1 John 4:7

Resources



  

Do you need verbal praise and encouragement?
Words of Affirmation
Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Do you like quality conversations?
Quality Time
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Do you like visual symbols of love?
Receiving Gifts
Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Do you like to do things for others, and have them help you out as well?
Acts of Service  
Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Do you give pats on the back and hugs-all of which mean nothing but friendship?
Physical Touch
This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.