Giving and Accepting Love

Most of us believe we are very good at helping others, caring about the sick, doing what we can for those who are unable to do for themselves.  In the Bible, Jesus tells us that “...whatever we do to the least of these, ye do also unto me.”  Whether or not we are Christian, we try to live up to that standard in our own ways, as we give love and charity to others.  But how are we when it comes to accepting love?

Accepting the love that others want to give to us may be a hard thing to do.  If we have been independent for a very long time, taken care of our own needs, allowing others to do things for us can be a challenge.  As we grow older and have things going wrong with our bodies or minds, it becomes a necessity to allow others to show their love, often responding in kind to the love we have given to them during our lifetimes.

Whether we have a choice to accept the love of others, or it is a necessity because we have lost some of our abilities, it is good to accept that others should do things for us.  It is honorable.  My mother recently had surgery to replace her shoulder and needed to have help with daily living skills and therapy.  It was such an honor that she would allow me to help her with these things.  She would never have let me do things for her unless it was a necessity, because she has always been independent and strong, but now it is my turn to help her, and it makes me grateful that I am able to do something for her.

Doing things for others is not something that we should consider to get something out of it.  We should never have ulterior motives for doing a good deed or showing our love for someone else.  Likewise, when someone does a loving thing for us, we should not feel that we have to repay the act.  Love should always be given and accepted freely.  Perhaps Paying it Forward is something that we should consider when we receive the love of others.  In any case, an ongoing expression and acceptance of love, whether from family, friends, or complete strangers in need, creates harmony and positive energy in our world.

May you be richly blessed.