Better is open rebuke than hidden love Proverbs27:5
"But she knows I love her" is the excuse many men give for not being affectionate and caring.
One of our most basic needs is to be loved. Our children need to be told regularly that we love them. This need is so basic that they will misbehave in order to receive a reprimand rather than to live with no expression of emotion at all.
Hidden love does not give security or comfort. Instead it creates insecurity, lack of confidence, and even rebellion. Our families need the security of being told that they are loved. When last have you told those nearest to you that you love them? I make a point of telling Caleb regularly that I love him and that God loves him.
We might argue that we _do_ things that show our love for those around us, but we should also take time to look them in the eye and tell them that we love them. There is nothing in the world that makes you feel better!
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
