“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
— John 15:12
Say “I Love You” in a Million Ways
Jesus commands us to love each other. A command is an order, not just a nice-sounding suggestion. We are to love each other in the same way Jesus loved his disciples: in words and in actions.
Is it hard for you to say “I love you”? It can be. With family members, getting mushy can be downright awkward and embarrassing if you’re not used to it. With friends, it can be considered “uncool” to say the words. But try saying them anyway: I love you, I care about you, You mean a lot to me . . . however you want to say it. Tell people how much you care about them — in spoken words, in little notes, in handmade cards — but tell them.
Don’t stop there though. Words without similar actions are meaningless. If your friend says, “I really care about you,” but she’s always too busy to talk or listen to you, then her words will mean very little to you. So add actions to your words. Help your mom put away groceries. Help your dad with yard work. Pick some wildflowers for your sister’s desk. Actions sometimes DO speak louder than words.
More To Explore: John 13:34 – 35 and 1 Peter 3:8
Girl Talk: How often do you tell your friends and family that you care about them? How do you show it?
God Talk: “Father, help me to show my family and friends that I love them. Teach me to love like you, Lord. Amen.”
From No Boys Allowed by Kristi Holl