You might be surprised…
There are moments in life that reveal the deepest truths about life—moments so simple, yet so profound, that they linger in your heart long after they pass. I had one of those moments recently while holding my grandson, Amari.
He was curled up in my lap, nestled against my chest, his little body warm and safe. His breathing was steady, peaceful, and trusting. He wasn’t doing anything to “earn” my love; he was simply resting in it. As I held him close, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and joy, so full that I had to pause and reflect:
Which one of us felt the power of love more? Is it better to be loved or to love?
My first thoughts turned to him. I hope he feels the immense love I have for him. I wanted him to know—without a doubt—that he was cherished, safe, and valued. And then, I realized something equally powerful: the act of loving him was filling me just as much, if not more, than his receiving my love.
This moment with Amari reminded me that love is never a one-way street. Love is meant to flow—between us, through us, and even in moments where it seems unreciprocated. In choosing to love, we step into a space where hearts can connect at the deepest level—a soul-to-soul connection—whether or not the other person is actively giving love back.
This is the essence of truly living-connected.
The Bible tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) Love and attention are gifts we can give to people that, when given genuinely, comes back to us in abundance.
At times, we give love in ways that seem unnoticed. We sit with someone grieving who has no words to thank us. We extend kindness to someone too burdened to reciprocate. We forgive even when the other person doesn’t ask for it. But in those moments, something beautiful happens—we are filled.
This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). Love, when given freely, never leaves the giver empty.
The Power of Soul-to-Soul Connection
Holding Amari reminded me of our mission to help people connect at the soul level. “When two people connect with the soul, something is poured out of one and into the other that has the power to heal the soul of its deepest wounds and restore it to health—the one who receives experiences the joy of being healed. The one who gives knows the even greater joy of being used to heal.” Dr. Larry Crabb
Love isn’t just about receiving—it’s about showing up, pouring out, and trusting that in the giving, we, too, will be filled.
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A Friend’s Quiet Presence – I remember a friend who sat with Leeboy through one of his hardest seasons. He didn’t try to fix anything; he just showed up. That presence alone was love in action.
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A Mother’s Love – A single mother wakes up early every morning to pack lunches, drive her kids to school, and work long hours—all without expecting recognition. She may not always hear “thank you,” but her love is shaping lives in ways she cannot yet see.
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A Small Act of Kindness – A neighbor who buys groceries for a widow who is struggling. She never asked for anything in return, but that simple act created a connection, a moment where love flowed and both were blessed.
This is living connected. It’s not just about loving when it’s easy or when love is returned—it’s about choosing to engage in a way that sees another’s soul and meets them where they are.
A Call to Love Others
As I sat there with Amari, I realized that love is purest when it is freely given, without expectation. Holding him reminded me of the love God has for us—the kind that requires nothing in return yet fills us completely.
This is the love we are called to give. The love that creates a soul connection. The love that reflects God’s heart.
“By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Who in your life needs that kind of love today? Who needs you to sit with them, listen to them, or simply remind them that they are valuable? Is it a stranger who is obviously hurting? A homeless person? Your lonely neighbor? Your grieving friend? Your hurting spouse or child?
Choose to love. Live connected. And in doing so, you will find that love—given freely—has a way of returning to fill you in ways you never expected.