WEEK 1 – DAY 5

JACOB LOVED RACHEL

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Genesis 29:20

The reader is probably familiar with the love story of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob was sent by his father to find a wife from the family of his mother Rebekah’s brother Laban. There he discovered Laban’s daughter Rachel and fell head over heels in love with her. He agreed to work for his Uncle Laban for seven years as the bride price for Rachel, but after consummating the marriage, he lifted the veil; and lo and behold, he had been tricked into marrying her sister Leah! Laban was an even greater schemer than Jacob. Laban required Jacob to work another seven years in order to marry Rachel; and because of his love for her, he agreed to his uncle’s terms. Therefore, all together he worked fourteen years in order to marry the love of his life; but due to his love, the years flew by as if only a few days. Jacob’s love was proven by the sweat equity he willingly expended. Love is not just words alone or action alone. True love is articulated verbally but manifested in affectionate and practical deeds as well. Jacob went to great lengths because of his love for Rachel. By working to earn her hand, he was actualizing his love for her. Think of ways you can demonstrate your love for someone special in your life whether that be your spouse, child, parent, friend, or sibling. Here are some ideas to get you started:

•           Listen intently to the person sharing their sorrows or their joys

•           Do a kind deed for that person without being asked

•           Schedule time to read to a child or elderly loved one

•           Enclose a card or note in a lunch sack

•           Call a loved one on the phone even when it is NOT their birthday

Create your own list and use love as a verb this week!

Father, help us to follow our own advice by demonstrating our love rather than just stating it!