Gemstones fluctuate in value. A breathtaking engagement ring with a large diamond was worth more before synthetic diamonds entered the market. Its significance endures, but it no longer costs two months of wages. Even food, which is essential to life, is devalued by abundance. When we have more than enough, we discard it. 

If value can only be recognized through scarcity, how can we strengthen and retain our values before they become scarce? For example, if the friendly culture in my neighborhood is its greatest value, how can I invest in its culture?  

The best investment I know of is love. It honors, it helps, it heals, and it spreads. Love is the life of every relationship, it’s the antidote to hate and incivility, and it never loses its value. Imagine living in a community (or family, or workplace) where everyone valued love. That’s valuable!

Here’s the best description of love I know:  
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; NIV).