Love You

When I was growing up, before we ever parted from one another and before we went to bed, my mom always initiated what seemed to be an ever-lasting family shout out. One by one, she would say, "I love you (insert 1 of 4 children's names here)!" From there, we would say it back to her, then one by one, each of us would say it to one another. The point in life came where my younger siblings got smart enough to realize this activity stayed off bedtime for a wee bit longer, while the point in my life came where I started to think it was ever so lame! However, not participating was never an option; hence, it became a habit. Now, as an adult with my own family, we do the same thing.

It feels good to have someone tell you they love you. There's a lot of power behind those words. Having lost my mom at such a young age, I'm grateful that not a moment on the phone or in person was ever ended without those words, even when we were mad at one another (as my mom would say, saying I love you through gritted teeth doesn't change the meaning lol). When many of us think about saying I love you, it's so natural, it comes so easy. But for so many others, it just doesn't.

Many people grow up in hardened homes. This doesn't mean that they weren't loved, but they didn't hear it. Because they didn't hear it, they don't say it.  Because they don't say it, the ones they love often question it. This lack of expression often has one suppressing his or her true emotions which can close off a promising part of a relationship. Now, it's not a rule to tell someone you love them, but it could change dynamics within our lives if we did. It could change the way you feel or the way someone you truly care about feels. It could brighten a day, soften a heart, or just put positive vibes in an atmosphere.

If this is you, and expressing love is hard for you, here's the best way to start: Bask in the free and unconditional love we all have access to- God's love. It is unfailing. It is all-knowing, yet all-loving. It's big enough for all of us. It's vast enough to cover a multitude of sins. It's forgiving and sincere and we can't do anything to take it away from us. He love us...all of us! For no reason at all. We've done nothing to earn it, we'll do nothing to lose it. It's ours!

One of my favorite sections of the Bible is 1st Corinthians 13:4-8. It tells us what love is. It's the model for how we are loved by God and therefore how we are commanded to love one another. It reads: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

With love comes responsibility. We can't say we love someone and not respect them. We can't say we love someone and not consider them. We can't say we love someone and not forgive them or keep bringing up their past offenses (I can be so guilty of this!). When we tell someone we love them, we become responsible to them. Responsible to love them with our whole hearts. That is a spiritual commitment that shouldn't be taken lightly. When we love someone, we pray for them. When we love someone, we listen to them. When we love someone, we are there for them as best we know how to be. Love is not an easy thing. It's hard. Love is not a cheap thing. It's expensive as it costs time and sometimes money. Regardless of what love is not, there is one thing it is: NECESSARY. Just like we need air and water, as human beings with living spirits, we need love. I challenge you today to tell the people closest to you that you love them...and mean it! Be blessed. XOXO