February is celebrated as the month of love.  In particular, we celebrate on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

My husband always taught our boys that love is one of the strongest words in the vocabulary and to be careful when using it.  However, I have been guilty of using it very carelessly.  I can’t tell you how many times I have used this adjective to describe the simplest of things.

When you speak of love, the most common association is a romantic relationship or how we describe our feelings for family.  The type I want to talk to you about is “agape” love.

Agape love is selfless and unconditional.  It loves others regardless of their flaws.  Isn’t that something we all desire?  No matter your circumstance, we all want to feel that we are completely accepted for who we are – flaws and all.

Unfortunately, there are so many people that have never been exposed to this type of love.  Most of us have been guilty of excluding someone just because they do not have the same views or because they look or act a little different?  Not only is that wrong, it is an attitude that is doing harm to our society.

At Bios, we believe that EVERYONE has value, deserves to be treated with dignity and has the right to the best life possible.  We all have the responsibility to choose actions that will support and achieve these principles.

I once heard an acronym for love that has stuck with me for many years:

Listen

Overlook

Value

Encourage

Many people think the opposite of love is hate.  Although hate does damage to our society, so does indifference.  So what’s love got to do with it?  Everything!  I feel that if we all choose to listen, overlook, value and encourage, changes can and will be made.  Love can have a strong impact when used the correct way.