My sister Viola used to tell me that her boyfriend Carlo`s mother used to tell Carlo that he should be careful when saying I Love You. She told him those three words should be said only if he means it, and that he should only speak them to the person he really loves and he really would love with all his heart.

I was so fascinated with that story. Reminds me of Elisabeth Elliot and his brothers being taught by their parents the same way, that I Love You is never to be given away just to anyone, without actually understanding the weight of those words.

 

When someone tells you he/she loves you, don`t you expect that those words mean the person who said it will always stand by you and just love you no matter what? Didn`t you feel that with those words comes a promise of never letting go and keeping you close to that person`s heart?

 

You may never have heard this, but we all know, our hearts know that

I Love You is a promise. When you tell a person that you love him, you are actually making a covenant, because love means commitment. Love means you would never ever leave. When you love somebody and you tell that person that you love him, he is expecting that you will always be there and you will never ever break his heart.

 

Of course there are times when we have to sow “I Love You” unsparingly—to your family, your friends, you spouse. But for the single people out there, hear this out: There are times when you have to really be careful when saying those words romantically—esp. when you`re just starting to feel that you like somebody…

 

I Love You comes with responsibility and if we don`t mean it or if we don`t have the same definition as the dictionary and biblical definition of love, we better not say it and let it come out of our mouth. I Love You isn`t supposed to be sentimental gush alone, but comes with commitment and a promise of real love. Love equals action. Love always should be put into action. And if you`re not ready and willing to do that then don`t say it. Don`t play with people`s hearts...and with your own heart as well.

 

¹¹So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

 

When God said He loved His bride, He died for her. When He said He loved us, He gave Himself up to die on the cross. He was so filled with emotion and compassion—and love—that He was willing to sacrifice and give up His own life just to save us.

 

So as godly men and women of the Lord, we should be careful in saying “I Love You”.  For the guys, you have the responsibility to protect you sisters` hearts and be careful in not breaking their precious hearts into pieces. Remember, they are God`s lovely daughters and they mean a lot to God. And it`s the same way for girls, of course. To protect our brothers` hearts is also a responsibility we should keep. We shouldn`t hurt others the same way we don`t want to be hurt. They are, like us, God`s beloved!

 

Remember, guys and girls, say love only when it mean it and when you would really keep the promise forever! Okay?

 

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