We cherish these words from our spouse, but there is something more powerful than just those words.
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The Church uses words and gestures in its sacraments. If a priest pours some water on a baby’s forehead without saying: “I baptize you …” the baptism is invalid. If one partner vacuums the floors every day without ever saying “I love you” to the other, his love is also invalid! The same goes for our personal relationship with God. In a couple, as well as in the Church, actions need to be accompanied by words.
But it’s in actually doing something we don’t really like that we most show our love.
Our passion is kept alive by small loving gestures performed on daily basis. Moreover, these gestures we voluntarily accomplish keep our love from becoming selfish, when we love the other on our own terms. It’s often thanks to them that our emotions are aroused and kept alive, more pure, selfless, and greater than ever. It is then that we reach the pinnacle of love – “I love the other for who he or she is.”
Beware, these “small gestures” are not some splendid gift nor are they a spectacular demonstration of generosity. But they are filled with love and meaning. Here are a few ideas: look at your beloved, tell them that they are amazing, praise their work, tell them about your day, do something for them without being explicitly asked to, encourage them …
The path to becoming a happy couple happens through the practice of these very simple acts. Sometimes even a smile can be enough.
Denis Sonet
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