Love

One thing I have noticed about our dogs is that they seem to love unconditionally.  I can be gone 5 minutes or 5 weeks.  Either way, when I return, they are happy to see me.  Even though we have been separated, they still love me and do not forget about me.  When they see me, they will jump on me, wag their tail, and sometimes will even bark.  Believe me, I don't get that kind of response from people - which, as I think about it, might be a good thing.  Dozsar even likes to get up in my face and nibble my nose.  I do not understand it, but it is his way of showing his affection.

I recently studied the first and second chapters of 1 Thessalonians.  In all of Paul's writings, his love for the church is evident.  Consider what Paul said:

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.  ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:17

Even though Paul could not physically be with them, he held them close in his heart.  And, he fervently worked and made plans to see them just as soon as it was practical and possible.  His love was not mere sentiment or often repeated words.  No, his love was manifested by his oft-repeated deeds.

Love is action.  It is shown.  It endures.  Even when separated by time and space, love endures.  Paul demonstrated it.  My dogs understand it.  When will I learn?