'Learn to say, "I love you"‘

When Paul wrote to Timothy, a colleague in ministry, he was not afraid to express his love for him. ‘I constantly remember you in my prayers… I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.’ (II Timothy 1:3-4) Love brings out the best in people by providing a foundation of acceptance, care and encouragement.

 My father gave me such a wonderful foundation of unconditional love which provided a bedrock to help me deal with the ups and downs of life. I knew that Dad was not just on my side when I did the right thing but was committed to me as a person no matter what. Knowing that he loved me and wanted the best for me, I was able to truly hear his correction and take to heart his guidance. No matter how old I got, we never had a conversation without him telling me that he loved me. What a gift!

 We can give this gift to those in our workplace. Saying ‘I love you’ might not fly at work, but you can say, ‘I like you’; ‘I enjoy working with you’; or ‘You're a great person’. Anything that gives a sense of care and connection with the person simply because of who they are. They need to know that they are deeply appreciated and to feel secure and peaceful in the work environment. It is when people feel secure in their relationships that they will risk using their gifts and talents to do great things.

 Everyone needs to know that they are valued for who they are, that others care about them and it won’t be taken away if they mess up or ‘don’t deliver’. A no-strings-attached affection provides a bedrock for a fully engaged relationship that can spur people on to be their best. It provides an atmosphere in which people can flourish.

 Living by His Grace,

Jonathan