February is an interesting month. Even when we give it an extra day, it is still the shortest month of the year. One might think that February's small size might diminish its importance, however that is far from true. February is a little month filled with lots of celebration. We celebrate the births and service of some of our finest American presidents. We turn weather forecasting over to fuzzy little groundhogs, and make a big fuss over their actions. Then of course there is St. Valentine's Day, a day which has taken on the spirit of love as its guide. Because of this day, many consider February to be a month of love.

 

It is good to emphasize love in our lives. That is a good life lesson. Our Lord teaches us that love is fundamental to our faith. Now before I go any farther, I think I need to add that I am not talking a romantic love, I don't mean cards, flowers and chocolates. I mean our love towards God, and our love toward each other as God's children. In the first letter of John, in the Bible, in chapter four, John writes these words, "Let us love one another, because love is from God. God is love, and those who live in the spirit of love, live in God and God lives in them."

 

The world is a tough place and each day seems to make life a little tougher for many people. One way to fight this, is to be more loving, in a godly way, toward each other. How would the world change if people were nicer? Life would be better if folks were more helpful rather than always watching out for themselves. It is not difficult to better someone's day, and the simplest acts of kindness and generosity can make the biggest impact.

 

Jesus spent his entire life loving others and doing things for others. His actions can serve as an example for us. To begin with, Jesus did not discriminate with His love. The love of Jesus, was, and is, available to everyone. Second, if Jesus saw someone with a need, He helped them. That is love. Jesus did not check to see if they were from the same place, or in the same social circle, or met any criteria, He just helped them. We could easily do the same. There are so many people in the world who just need to be loved. Why don't we try to do something for them this February, and beyond?