“These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which, as they kiss, consume.”
The above is from Act II Scene VI of Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet. I must admit that as a dancer and lover of literature, scenes from this play come to mind when I think of the word “love.” I feel like this excerpt exemplifies where we tend to go with the word love…straight to its dramatic, passionate, and romantic form. Film, television and novels tend to fill us with an extravagant picture of what love looks like… In all its wonder and glory.
As I navigate through life, I’m finding that love doesn’t always look like these huge, consuming gestures. In fact, most of the time it won’t look like that. For me, real love comes quietly… in simple acts of kindness, in forgiveness, in a touch, or even in a smile at the right moment.
We are in encouraged in 1 Cor. 16:14 – “Let all that you do be done with love.” Can I answer the phone with love instead of exasperation? Yes. Can I do the dishes with love instead of complaint? Yes. Can I fold those towels left in the dryer with love instead of valuing my time above others? Yes. Love can be simple. The simplicity of love can be just as extravagant as a romantic dinner and a dozen roses.
I have to learn to die to myself and let Christ live in my heart for this kind of love to be experienced by others. There is self-sacrifice in this simple love. It may be difficult at times but it brings so much joy. I tend to be inward and selfish with my love, but I hope to start embracing love in all its forms more freely – to be generous in love instead of withholding it. Love can be lived every day; it’s not to be left in pages of great literature. I want to delight in it.
– And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Eph. 5:2)
 
Anna Hull is a recent graduate of Schreiner University with a B.A. in Religion & minor in Political Science. Currently pursuing her M.Div in Theological Studies through Liberty University, Anna believes in rich authenticity, celebrating beauty, and saying yes to unexpected adventures. Anna loves Jesus and spending time with her family.
“For me, real love comes quietly… in simple acts of kindness, in forgiveness, in a touch, or even in a smile at the right moment.” For me too Anna. Thank you for the reminder to give and receive love simply, moment to moment throughout the day.
I appreciate the quiet kind of love you have offered here…a wonderful reminder…thank you!