ALOHA!

Hawaii was a big dream for me, and recently I went to visit. One night we got to experience a Luau. When the host for the event first got on stage, he said, “Aaallloooohaaa.” We, as an audience, were supposed to repeat his phrase, but our response at first must have been below par because he repeated, “Aloha!”

This time we stepped it up a notch or two because he clapped and was pleased with our response. Next, he taught us a quick bit about the word Aloha, and my views will never be the same.

Did you know that that word doesn’t mean a simple hi or goodbye? It encompasses a whole mindset, way of thinking, and way of living. 

The literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life.” It comes from “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. For the Hawaiian people, it isn’t just a word; it’s a way of living. It’s a way of treating each other with love and respect. 

According to northshoretacos.com, “…the deep meaning of Aloha starts by teaching ourselves to love our own beings first and afterward to spread the love to others.”

According to the old kahunas (priests), living the Spirit of Aloha was a way of reaching self-perfection and realizing our own bodies and soul. Aloha is sending and receiving positive energy. Aloha is living in harmony. Living the Spirit of Aloha creates positive feelings and thoughts, which are never gone. They exist in space, multiply and spread over to others.”

Now I love when things have meaning, so I ran with studying this word. Each letter in it is an acronym for a character trait to live by.

“Akahai” means kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;

“Lokahi” means unity, to be expressed with harmony;

“Oluolu” means agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;

“Haahaa” means humility, to be expressed with modesty;

So I asked myself, why does this resonate with me so much? As I pondered this question, I realized it was because this is who my God says we can be. Each of the characteristics of this word is in my God-given, Given by God-nature.

Akahai,” meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.”

Romans 12:10

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Lokahi,” meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all.

“Oluolu,” meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;

Haahaa,” meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;

I could keep going to different verses, but I see all of Romans 12 in this word so let’s just read the whole chapter for a second

As we read this together I know there will be things that spark in your heart…write that down so you can share it with us when we are finished.

12 ^[a]Therefore I urge you, ^[b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. ² And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be ^[c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

³ For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. ⁴ For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, ⁵ so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]. ⁶ Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; ⁷ if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; ⁸ or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, ^[d]with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.

⁹ Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; ¹¹ never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; ¹² constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], ¹³ contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. ¹⁷ Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. ¹⁸ If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap ^[e]burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Each time I go on an adventure, I expect to learn something. My expectations are always met. If you ever hear me say Aloha to you…you know that there is intent and meaning in this word as it’s a beautiful way of living.

Now, what resonates for you in Romans?