THOSE THREE WORDS

I Love You. Spoken from the lips of a child to their mother. I Love You. Demonstrated from the actions of a Father. I Love You.

Words that roll off of the tongue so easily. Taken for granted, brushed off a high and mighty shoulder, I disagree. Respect put back in those three words I’m pushing the command key. Because nowadays the meaning of “Love” has been taken over by lust and greed.

Those three words used to have such meaning to them. Used sparingly to the ones who really deserved them. Those three words longing to be spoken, but never spoken until the meaning was clearly awoken.

So what does “Love” mean? Just a feeling that comes and goes with the wind? An emotion that is felt in the heat, but can easily be singed? No. Love is not just a word that we use to express our temporary liking to someone. Love has no limitation to the someone who causes aggravation, no end to the someone who fights for segregation, there is no secret calculation, not confined to the idea of simple admiration, there is no compensation but there is a dedication.

When you are tossed in the Lion’s den, and all those who said they loved you before are now sitting in the audience, what will you say then? Love is not found in the hollowed out bones of a word spelled L.O.V.E. Love has flesh and bones, bruised hands and a bloody crown, a scarred back and pierced side, and with a faint voice He whispers, “You. Are. Free.”

Love is not a word, but an action. Not AN action, but MULTIPLE actions. Love is a commitment. Through the pain and the mocking and the fear and the frustration. Love is a commitment. Persevering through the ridicule, yet pouring out through the holes that they have pierced through your body. Love is a commitment.

Those three words seemed to have lost a little meaning over the years. To love someone is not only through the better, but through the worse. To commit yourself to unending grace, forgiveness, patience, kindness, compassion, and the whole works.

So stop telling every girlfriend and boyfriend that you “love” them. Unless you are willing to live up to the reputation that LOVE itself paid for. Unless you are willing to take the pain inflicted on you by the same person whom you adore. Love is not all sunshine and rainbows, there may be some high tides and flaming arrows, but just know. Those three words are a commitment.

I Love You.