When Love Looks Like Paying Attention
Have you ever had one of those days where you’re physically present but mentally somewhere else? That was me the other day. I woke up feeling rushed, distracted, and before I could fully settle into my morning quiet time, work called me into a different rhythm. Escorting visitors, catching up on tasks, and battling the rain-filled commute left me feeling more like an observer in my own life rather than an active participant.
By the time the day was over, I realized something: love isn’t just about grand gestures or deep conversations—it’s about presence. It’s about stepping out of my head and into the world around me. Romans 13:10 reminds us,
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10, ESV)
But what happens when love isn’t something I actively do, but something I withhold simply by being too wrapped up in myself?
Love is Found in the Small Moments
Today wasn’t particularly difficult—I didn’t have a conflict or a moment where I had to consciously choose patience or grace. But that might be part of the problem. I wasn’t fully engaging with the people around me. My mind was elsewhere—thinking about tasks, ideas, and plans—while opportunities for connection passed by unnoticed.
As Mother Teresa once said,
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Sometimes, love isn’t about doing something extraordinary. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making eye contact, saying hello, checking in with someone, or offering a kind word.
If I could go back and redo today, I would have made more effort to be present. To see people instead of just moving past them. To engage rather than retreat into my thoughts. Because love isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about actively doing good.
Soul Insights
As I reflected on today and Romans 13:10, here are five insights I want to hold onto:
1. Love is Intentional, Not Accidental
Love doesn’t just happen—it’s a choice. Choosing to be fully present in a conversation, choosing to listen rather than mentally check out, choosing to greet someone rather than walk past in a hurry. Jesus never accidentally loved—He was always intentional.
“Wherever you are, be all there.” — Jim Elliot
Tomorrow, I want to remind myself that love is in the small moments of attention and intention.
2. Love Looks Like Slowing Down
Busyness and distraction are enemies of love. When I rush through life, I miss the opportunities to care, to listen, to offer a small moment of encouragement. Even Jesus—who had the most important mission in the world—took time to pause for people.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV)
Maybe the best way to love someone tomorrow is simply to slow down long enough to notice them.
3. Love is About Seeing People, Not Just Passing By
I wonder how many people I walked past today without really seeing them. Did someone need encouragement? Was there a moment where I could have made someone’s day lighter?
Jesus saw people. He saw the woman at the well, the tax collector in the tree, the blind man at the roadside. His love was evident in the way He noticed the overlooked.
Tomorrow, I want to ask myself: Who am I overlooking in my daily routine?
4. Love is Not Just What We Say, But How We Show Up
Words matter, but so does presence. Sometimes love is simply showing up fully—putting the phone down, silencing the mental checklist, and engaging in the moment.
“The greatest gift you can give someone is your presence.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Love isn’t just about having the right words to say. It’s about being there in a way that makes people feel valued.
5. Love is the Fulfillment of the Law Because It Reflects God
At the heart of it all, love is the highest calling. Not just romantic love, not just love for family and friends—but the kind of love that mirrors God’s heart.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, ESV)
If love fulfills the law, then every time I choose to love, I am walking in obedience to God. And every time I withhold love—by being too busy, too distracted, or too self-absorbed—I am missing the greatest commandment.
Final Thoughts: Living a Life of Love, One Day at a Time
Today taught me that love isn’t just about big moments—it’s about the small, daily choices.
It’s choosing to look up from my phone and meet someone’s eyes.
It’s choosing to pause and engage rather than rush past.
It’s choosing to be aware of the people around me instead of getting lost in my own world.
Tomorrow, my goal is simple: be present. Love well. Notice people. And in doing so, reflect the love of Christ.
What about you? Have you ever realized you were too distracted to engage with others? What small act of love can you show someone today?
Let’s walk this journey of love together.
Next Steps for Readers:
• Reflect: Have you been fully present in your interactions lately?
• Act: Choose one way to be intentional in showing love tomorrow.
• Engage: Share in the comments—what’s one way you practice being present with others?
© 2025 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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