Whitney's steps on developing/maintaining love:
That's right folks. I have steps, and they are great. Steps for all sorts of love and they have never ever failed me. And if they've never failed me, they must be fool-proof. So here we go! My steps in no particular order:
1. Get to know the person. And I don't mean favorite color, first job, blah blah. Sure that stuff is nice, but get to know the important stuff. Learn about their values, their dreams, fears, passions, strengths, weaknesses. Learn about what makes them who they are.
3. Pray for them. This one kind of connects to the other two. When praying for people God often uses you to answer your prayers. He will give you more opportunities to serve those you are praying for and as you respond to the promptings of the spirit you learn more about what they may be struggling with and you can learn more about what has molded them.
4. Pay attention and then give meaningful gifts. They don't have to be huge, just thoughtful. If you know they love raspberries (because you've been paying attention) and you are at the grocery store and you have a few bucks, bring them some raspberries. (I use that example because an ex used to surprise me with raspberries. Those raspberries always meant more than the gifts of new shoes or whatever he gave me on birthdays. Those were still appreciated, they just didn't have as much meaning).
5. Pray for love. In 1 John 4 we read "God is love." If God is love can He not give a portion of that love to His children who seek it? Ask God to help you feel love, true selfless love. That can be hard, and it can be scary, but pray that you will have the courage and strength.
There they are in their simplest forms. I know love isn't logical, but my logical mind has tried to fit them in a way that makes sense to it. There is obviously a lot more to it than just these steps, and that's the part I can't really put into words. If you want more detail or more examples from my life you'll have to talk to me personally. Also, if any of you have anything that has helped love grow in your life please post in the comments.
1. Get to know the person. And I don't mean favorite color, first job, blah blah. Sure that stuff is nice, but get to know the important stuff. Learn about their values, their dreams, fears, passions, strengths, weaknesses. Learn about what makes them who they are.
"I think it's impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them they way they love themselves."2. Serve them. I've always believed that service yields love. Why do you think LDS missionaries come home with a love for the people in their mission? It's because they have been serving them. When you are able to put others above your one wants and needs you are on your way to developing love.
3. Pray for them. This one kind of connects to the other two. When praying for people God often uses you to answer your prayers. He will give you more opportunities to serve those you are praying for and as you respond to the promptings of the spirit you learn more about what they may be struggling with and you can learn more about what has molded them.
4. Pay attention and then give meaningful gifts. They don't have to be huge, just thoughtful. If you know they love raspberries (because you've been paying attention) and you are at the grocery store and you have a few bucks, bring them some raspberries. (I use that example because an ex used to surprise me with raspberries. Those raspberries always meant more than the gifts of new shoes or whatever he gave me on birthdays. Those were still appreciated, they just didn't have as much meaning).
5. Pray for love. In 1 John 4 we read "God is love." If God is love can He not give a portion of that love to His children who seek it? Ask God to help you feel love, true selfless love. That can be hard, and it can be scary, but pray that you will have the courage and strength.
There they are in their simplest forms. I know love isn't logical, but my logical mind has tried to fit them in a way that makes sense to it. There is obviously a lot more to it than just these steps, and that's the part I can't really put into words. If you want more detail or more examples from my life you'll have to talk to me personally. Also, if any of you have anything that has helped love grow in your life please post in the comments.
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