I believe my purpose in life is to increase love and decrease fear. There is a lot of fear, anxiety and uncertainty in our world at the moment which is producing a lot of unresolved grief and also makes it even harder to navigate your grief journey.

We are very familiar with the notion of romantic love and romantic gestures. However, we need to understand what true love in action looks like in order to increase it in our lives, and its impacts on our family, workplace and community.

Love is a strong force that goes beyond boundaries, connecting us deeply. It's more than a word or feeling—it's an action that needs compassion and understanding. Love plays a crucial role in our personal and professional lives, impacting our interactions, growth, and success.

In the workplace, love means creating a supportive, inclusive environment that fosters collaboration. It involves recognizing individuals' strengths, and promoting a culture of respect and empathy. Though not typically associated with work, love builds trust and a sense of belonging, making people feel valued, appreciated, and empowered leading to more loyalty, productivity and a happier workplace.

Love extends to relationships with colleagues, mentors, and clients. Approaching these connections with love promotes open communication, active listening, and constructive feedback. Love strengthens these bonds, guiding us to meaningful collaborations and inspiring everyone to reach their full potential at work.

Beyond the professional sphere, love influences our personal lives, fueling passions and motivating us to pursue our dreams. It's about supporting loved ones, lending a hand during tough times, and celebrating successes. Love is also about self-care—nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, increasing emotional resilience and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Grief is a part of the human experience, testing our spirit through pain and loss. On our life's journey, our inspiration can come from many places. For me the Bible contains much wisdom and love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, provides a very helpful foundation for resilience and healing during challenging moments of grief.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Let's look at these aspects in turn:

1. Love is Patient:

Patience is a virtue that becomes particularly crucial during times of grief. Love, in its patient form, encourages us to allow others and ourselves the time needed to navigate the difficult journey of loss. It means being a steady presence, offering understanding without pressure. Patience also involves recognizing that healing is a process, allowing space for individuals to express their pain and sorrow at their own pace. Remember that time alone is not the healer but the actions you take over time that will help you move forward after loss and get your life back.

2. Love is Kind:

Kindness serves as a powerful balm in the face of grief. It involves not only offering support but doing so with a gentle touch and empathetic words. Love, in its kind form, inspires us to actively seek ways to support those who are going through tough times. It might mean providing practical assistance, a listening ear, or simple gestures that convey compassion. Kindness in grief extends beyond words, involving kind acts that bring comfort and remind those who are grieving that they are not alone.

3. Love Does Not Envy:

This aspect of love teaches us to celebrate the successes and achievements of others without harboring resentment. In the context of grief, it encourages a supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. By fostering a culture that acknowledges and celebrates each other's contributions, we create a space where grief can be shared openly, and the community becomes a source of strength.

4. Love Does Not Boast:

Humility is a key component of love, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the contributions of others. In the face of grief.  Humility allows us to set aside personal agendas and egos. By recognizing and appreciating the different strengths within a community, we create an atmosphere where individuals feel supported and understood. Love, in its humble form, helps build bridges of understanding and cooperation during challenging times.

5. Love is Selfless:

Selflessness in grief means putting the needs of others above our own, offering support even when we may be experiencing pain ourselves. Love, in its selfless nature, encourages acts of compassion and care that extend beyond personal considerations. It involves being present, offering a helping hand, and providing emotional support, creating a strong network of mutual aid that helps everyone navigate the difficult journey of grief together. It's also important to understand that meeting your needs matter too. You can't give from an empty jug!

6. Love Rejoices in Truth:

Authenticity is crucial when dealing with grief, and love encourages an honest exploration of emotions. It means embracing the truth of our experiences, acknowledging the range of emotions, and expressing them without judgment. Love, in its truth-seeking form, promotes open and genuine conversations, fostering an environment where individuals can share their stories, memories, and pain without fear of judgment.

7. Love Never Fails:

This profound statement assures us that, even in the face of grief, love endures. Love, in its enduring form, provides a foundation of strength, connection, and hope. It reminds us that, collectively, we can overcome the challenges of grief. By leaning on the support of others and offering our support in return, we create a resilient community where love becomes a constant source of comfort and renewal.

These practical aspects of love are helpful in guiding us to understand what true love looks like. These are things to aspire to, although in reality, I can find myself falling short many times and that’s when I’m reminded to be kind and patient with myself too!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 serves as a timeless guide for navigating grief with love as our compass. Embracing patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, forgiveness, authenticity, and resilience helps find comfort and strength in the face of loss. Let these words inspire healing, understanding, and enduring love.