Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

1 John 3:18

We often think of love as a certain kind of feeling. But if we wait for loving feelings, we may never get around to actually loving.

On the other hand, when we perform a loving deed, the loving feelings often come along as well.

These loving deeds need not be big. We choose to act in love by taking small steps whenever we can. A smile, a handshake, a hug, a phone call, a greeting, a visit — these are little steps toward love.

"Each step," writes Henri J. M. Nouwen, "is like a candle burning in the night."

Lent invites us to practice loving. God passionately loves us — not for us to save it all up in our hearts but to give it away to those around us. We can begin right now, right where we are, with the people nearest us.

Daily Practice

Ask for God's direction in taking small steps of love today. Begin with your closest neighbors or those with whom you live and then include each person who crosses your path today. Consciously fill the day with the light of loving deeds, however small, wherever you go.