It has occurred to me that one of the hardships of life is learning to live with how differently everyone defines the same words.
Some might remember the spectacle when a former president wanted to defend and define his use of the word, "is." And while we found that quite ridiculous we are all guilty of something very similar. Only what we do... may in fact be a whole lot worse.
My son Jonathan has been quietly demonstrating a reference for the word Love. He keeps correcting himself when he uses the word love when he realizes he should be using the word like or enjoy or appreciate. I want to learn to do that too.
The problem is that we use the word love with our own unique definition attached. The phrase, I love chocolate, is a great example. "I love chocolate" really means I love the pleasure and sensations and satisfaction I get from the taste of chocolate, the sweetness of the sugar with which it is mixed, the texture of it as it melts in my mouth, the smell of chocolate as it mingles with the other ingredients.
The phrase I love Chocolate really has nothing to do with how you feel about chocolate but everything to do with how chocolate makes you feel.
What about "I love you?" Could it be that when we use the words "I love you" the emphasis is actually on the "I" instead of the "you?"
Jesus lived out the words I love you in their purest and most powerful expression. For Him it was not about what He derived from us but what He wanted to give to us. He gave to us His holiness in everything He did. He gave Himself to others in every word, every action, and every miracle.
When Jesus used the word love He was not talking about how He felt, He was talking about what He was and what He was going to do for others, for us.
I am sure He enjoyed fish, and honey. I am really sure He liked figs! But He only loved His father and He loved us.
So the next time you tell someone you love them, make sure you are talking more about them than yourself. Make sure your actions are going to prove that you love them and not how they make you feel.
Make sure the phrase I love you means you are intent on making their life better, more beautiful, more holy, and more wonderful. Make sure you are not looking for some selfish feeling of importance that you can manipulate them into giving you. Make love about their security not yours. Make love about caring and compassion and actions not indulgence and consumption.
I have said many times, "I love Oreos"...but that means I like to drown them in milk and crush them with my teeth...you would not want to be my Oreo! And I don't want to be yours!
But I really do want to learn how to love others...do you?
