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Yet we all know that love in its purest form means so much more than the stuff of greeting cards. We perform an act of true love without any attachment to its result. Such deeds go far deeper than words. Truly loving acts can change lives, and ultimately, the world itself. They unleash positive power through a process that outstrips anything the giver—or receiver—can ever fully imagine.

The Greeks called this kind of love Agape. Agape love represents the divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing and thoughtful. Agape creates a synergy, a push towards something better and higher. The purpose however is not any particular reward beyond itself. And, as with all things synergistic, the result is much, much greater than the sum of its parts.

Random Acts of Love
Love-in-action happens in many forms. So often it’s the small things: The smile you give to the neighbor, the time you take to hold the door for a stranger, the sincere hug you give to a co-worker going through a difficult time. Small miracles. Yet those caring moments powerfully affect us. The words attached to such outreach may sound cliché, but the experience of being cared for never feels that way.

Let me tell you a story.

Last winter my fiancé, Jason, experienced a life-changing moment. At that time he was driving a bulky van. It was sometimes a temperamental vehicle, difficult to maneuver in city traffic. Not surprisingly Jason was often a crabby commuter by the time he was heading for home.

One particular day was especially cold and dreary. Dirty snow on the ground, bad traffic and rude drivers did not make for a happy commute. As Jason was getting off the expressway, he noticed a man holding a sign that said: “Please help me. Will work for pay.”

Jason kept driving. He’s the first to admit he is not the type to give handouts to the homeless.

Yet a few stoplights later he found himself still thinking of that man on the street. The image stuck stubbornly in his mind.

Instead of ignoring it, Jason drove to his bank. Hating ATMs, he ran into the bank lobby just before closing time. He withdrew 20 dollars, climbed back into his van and raced back to the expressway entrance ramp. Parking his truck in the emergency vehicle area, he walked towards the homeless man still standing with his sign.

“Here,” said Jason, and handed the man the 20 dollar bill. “Here’s something to help you out.” Jason also gave the man his business card. “Call me,” he told him, “if you ever want to take on a few odd jobs around a construction site. I might be able to help you out.”

Since then, Jason has given his business card to numerous people who appear to be down on their luck. He never knows if or when a person will call. But he knows that what he is doing opens up possibilities. He is certain that his kindness positively influences other’s lives. The change in his own attitude and action has certainly changed him. Agape transforms both the giver and the gifted.

Every Day Love
Some people seem to be born with the innate sense to help others. The way they go about living their daily lives deeply affects the people around them, improving their quality of life. Each day people we know are cared for by nurses and doctors. We are protected by police officers and firefighters. Our children walk to school safely thanks to crossing guards. Some might try to devalue such efforts, saying, “These people are ’just doing their jobs.” Yet those people chose to do those jobs. They committed themselves to a path that serves a greater good.

“My example of love in action is how I use my heart and hands to help the elderly that have lost the ability to do certain things for themselves,” says Rosanne D’Anna, who works in a facility for the elderly in Schaumburg, Illinois. One man she cared for was in hospice and within weeks of passing. She spent extra time with him while providing him care, and she talked with him like he was an old friend. “Although he no longer was able to verbally communicate with me, he reached out his hand with what little strength he had and touched my arm while giving me a nod of appreciation,” Rosanne explains. “Although the healthcare field is not the fast track to making millions, the love you give and receive is immeasurable.”

Giving to the World
Hop online to Google “volunteering,” and more than 15,700,000 items appear. Whether you want to help make a change in your community, your state, the country or abroad, there is no shortage of opportunities to put your time, talents and love in action.

At the core of volunteerism is your ability to help liberate a person from the confines of a situation or to set someone free. The time you spend teaching another to read may eventually help that person grow the confidence she needs to secure a good job. Providing your professional services pro bono to a non-profit may enable the organization to continue successfully providing housing assistance to homeless youth. Even volunteering to stamp envelopes for a local church may mean that the program continues to provide families abroad with warm clothing.

What is the value of this kind of love? It is beyond any price tag; its worth cannot be calculated or tallied. But the positive act is recorded in the human heart. It is often offered and held in human hands. And it is passed on from receiver to receiver to receiver.

There are infinite ways to lovingly volunteer.

Christina Ambubuyog, a clairvoyant reader, healer and artist in Las Vegas, Nevada, volunteers her time in a different way. “Every time I see something negative on television such as a crime or natural disaster, I always send healing light and love to shower the victim as well as the person who committed the crime,” she says. “If it’s a natural disaster, I do the same, covering the area and the earth with healing light and love.”

How can you share a little love this February? After all, love is not a feeling…

Love Is a Choice
This year when you are feeling overwhelmed by the diamond commercials on TV, or you are dreading another Valentine’s Day by yourself, stop. Reflect upon the love you have in your heart, and consider how you can put it into action. Make the choice to love. Call a friend who needs some help. Make a decision to give time to your community. Perform a loving act for someone who may never know it was you who donated that piece of clothing, picked up the bill at that coffee shop or dropped a few coins in a fund drive box. You will feel so much better. Hands down, Agape love beats the most delicious box of chocolates every time!

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