Public Displays of Affection

Key Scripture

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 (NIV)

Devotion

When I was a teenager, within the halls of school, the walls of the church building, and the Bible Camp campus, public displays of affection (the dreaded PDA) amongst dating teens were greatly discouraged. We were encouraged to leave at least six inches of space between us at all times to "leave room for the Holy Ghost!"

But as I began to think about it, particularly as it applies to our relationships with fellow Christians and non-believers alike, I realized something: We should actually have MORE PDA amongst us!

In John 13:34-35, Jesus tells His disciples:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

So, how did Jesus love?

He demonstrated His affection and devotion through His humility, service, commitment, patience, and consistent love.

Jesus was a humble servant. In John 13:5, we find the account of Jesus wrapping a towel around His waist and washing the disciples' feet. He didn't consider Himself too important to serve others. Matthew 20:28 reminds us that He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

Jesus demonstrated sacrificial commitment. John 15:13 tells us, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Jesus didn't simply tell us He loved us. He demonstrated that love by giving His life on the cross. His love was an action, not just a declaration!

Jesus was patient in His teaching. In Matthew 13:36 and John 15:15, we see Jesus taking time to explain parables, answer questions, and share the deeper truths of God's kingdom. He invested in His disciples, patiently teaching and preparing them for what was ahead. He even called them friends rather than servants.

Jesus showed enduring devotion. Even after His death and resurrection, in John 21:9-12, we find Jesus on the shore preparing breakfast for His disciples after a long night of fishing. Think about that for a moment! The risen Savior, the Son of God, took the time to build a fire, prepare a meal, and care for the physical needs of His friends. His love wasn't limited to the extraordinary moments. It was evident in the ordinary ones, too.

Sisters, we are called to follow Christ's example. We are called to love others, not just with our words, but through our actions.

Our public displays of affection don't have to be grand gestures. Sometimes they're found in a helping hand, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a little patience, an act of kindness, or simply showing up when someone needs us.

We don't have to wear a cross around our necks, carry a Bible under our arms, or announce that we're Christians for people to recognize Christ in us.

Our love should be the evidence!

So, sisters, let's put a little more PDA into our everyday relationships. Let's love loudly, serve humbly, give generously, and demonstrate the love of Christ wherever we go.

After all, the world should be able to recognize whose we are by the way we love!

Reflection

In what ways can you demonstrate a public display of affection for someone today? Who might need to experience the love of Christ through your words, your actions, or simply your presence?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us so completely and so consistently.

Thank You for giving us the perfect example of what genuine love looks like through the life of Your Son, Jesus.

Lord, help us to love as You love. Teach us to put aside our pride, humble ourselves, and become servants to others. Give us patience with those who are difficult to love, compassion for those who are hurting, and a willingness to sacrifice our time, our comfort, and our preferences for the good of someone else.

Forgive us for the times we've spoken about Your love without actually demonstrating it. Let our actions match our words. May our kindness, our forgiveness, our generosity, and our willingness to serve become visible expressions of Your love living within us.

Father, open our eyes today to the people who need encouragement, a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply someone who cares. Let us never miss an opportunity to be Your hands and feet.

May the world recognize that we belong to You, not simply by what we profess, but by the way we love one another.

In Jesus' precious name,

Amen.

Personal Growth Scriptures

1 John 3:18 Loving through actions and truth, not words alone.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Understanding the characteristics of genuine, Christlike love.

Philippians 2:3-5 Humility, putting others before ourselves, and having the mind of Christ.

Galatians 5:13-14 Serving one another through love.

Ephesians 4:32 Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Romans 12:10-13 Devotion, honoring others, generosity, and hospitality.

Colossians 3:12-14 Clothing ourselves in compassion, patience, forgiveness, and love.

Matthew 5:16 Letting our actions shine so others glorify our Father.