Every living person with a logical mind and a compassionate heart understands the importance of those three simple but life-changing words, “I love you.” Yet, in a world that’s moving at an incredibly fast pace, people often say “I love you” without fully considering what those words mean. Of course, it’s something we say to our loved ones, friends, or even ourselves, but we shouldn’t let the deeper significance of this meaningful sentiment slip through the cracks. As Christians, we are called to understand and live out a kind of love that goes far beyond words. To do this, we must go to the Word of the One who is love itself. Within the scriptures, we can learn what it really means when we say, “I love you” with our actions, sacrifice, and commitment.
Love Is More than Words, It’s Action
Greg and Keshia have been married almost six years. One evening, after a long day at work, Keshia comes home and she’s utterly exhausted and overwhelmed. She’s younger than most of the employees under her supervision, and they have really been giving her a tough time. Greg knows that she’s been working on a project and trying to rally everyone together, and that she’s been worried and struggling with a lack of sleep. Instead of just telling her that he loves her and that everything will be fine, he takes action to show her how much he cares.
He prepares Keshia’s favorite dinner. He sets up a cozy corner with her favorite blanket, and then runs a warm bath for her to relax. Without question, brother Greg understood the assignment. He quietly asks if she needs anything else and then—wait for it—he lets her unwind without any pressure to do anything. He’s there with her, listening when she speaks, or simply offering comfort when she doesn’t feel like talking. No fancy gifts or elaborate plans, just love, pure and simple. Greg’s actions—his effort to make her feel better and supported—go far beyond any words of affection he could have spoken.
1 John 3:18 (NLT) tells us, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” This is not a suggestion. It’s the way we are instructed by Christ to demonstrate our genuine support and care for each other. Saying the words is beautiful, but they mean absolutely nothing without the action to back them up. As believers, actions that communicate the love of Christ should be our trademark. We should go beyond just expressing love verbally and instead show it in tangible ways that reflect the truth of the love of Christ in our hearts.
Through his thoughtful gestures, Greg shows Keshia that he loves her, not just by saying it, but by showing up for her when she needs him the most. It’s a beautiful thing when we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit to meet our loved ones needs, and minister to them in a way that they can only say, “Look at God!”
Love Is Sacrificial
Carl is a retired father who has been a widower for several years. His son, Michael, now has his own family, including a wife and two young children. Carl and Michael have always had a close relationship, but lately, Michael has been going through a very difficult season. He’s tried for a long time to keep everything under wraps, but the threads are unraveling faster than he can keep up. The strain of juggling work, family responsibilities, and the pressure to provide for his loved ones is affecting his faith and his marriage.
One day, Michael calls his father, and Carl could hear it in his voice; Michael was overwhelmed and stressed. He never wanted to burden his dad, but he couldn’t hold it all in any longer. He explained how he’s been struggling with trying to keep up with everything—especially with paying bills and his wife also working full-time. They’re both feeling exhausted and overworked. Michael’s job has been so demanding, and he just doesn’t feel like he has enough time or energy for his family.
Carl knew what had to be done. Although he’s retired and living on a fixed income, without hesitation, he decides to make a sacrifice. There’s no question that he’s content in his quieter life and enjoys the comfort of his routine, but he knows that his son needs support. Carl offers to move in with Michael and his family temporarily to help with the kids, finances, and to take some pressure off Michael and his wife. He said to Michael, “I may not be able to solve everything, but I can help with the little things—taking the kids to school, preparing meals, or just giving you and Beverly a break.”
Our precious Lord and Savior said in John 15:13 (NLT) “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This is what he did for us, and it shows us that real love—really showing up for someone—requires sacrifice. We can never deny this profound truth. Jesus Christ demonstrated it through his sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. He didn’t have to give his life to save us from eternal death, but he did it out of his overwhelming, unconditional love for us all.
Carl’s decision to step into his son’s life, offering not just financial help but his time, energy, and presence, beautifully exemplifies what it means to love sacrificially. Sadly, we don’t hear much about the examples of people making this kind of selfless sacrifice these days, but as believers, this is the heart that God requires. Carl’s willingness to lay aside his own comfort and routine to support Michael reflects the heart of true, sacrificial love.
Love Is an Everlasting Commitment
Linda and James have been married for over 40 years. Their love story is one of perseverance and deep commitment through all the tribulations the enemy has thrown at them. In their early years of marriage, James was diagnosed with a debilitating illness that slowly stripped him of his independence. He became unable to walk and ultimately required full-time care. Despite the emotional and physical strain, Linda became his primary caregiver and never wavered. She managed his medications, appointments, and daily needs. The couple had always dreamed of traveling and enjoying adventures together, but those dreams changed in the blink of an eye.
We often have a very romantic view of love, but it’s not a fairytale. It will take us to the brink of breaking and also rescue us as God restores and replenishes. At times, Linda would feel exhausted, emotionally drained, and burdened by the demands of caring for James. They never got to fully embrace being a young and carefree couple. There were moments when Linda thought about how different her life could have been if she had the freedom to travel, relax, or enjoy hobbies. But she was committed to James, and she understood that real love is an everlasting commitment.
In Isaiah 54:10 (NLT), God said, “For the mountains may depart and the hills may be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” God’s love for us is unwavering and eternal, and He calls us to love others with that same enduring commitment. Love isn’t just for the good times—it’s for the long haul, even when challenges hit hard. God’s love is unshakeable, never faltering no matter what circumstances we face. This kind of steadfast love is the love we are called to show others—a love that doesn’t fade when things get difficult but endures through thick and thin.
Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight, and we all realize this. It’s something we grow into over time as we seek to please and honor God. It’s also gained as we’re tested by the storms of life. Whether it’s the ups and downs of marriage, the challenges of parenting, or the responsibilities of stewardship, we can weather it all when we reflect the love of Christ in our actions, sacrifices, and commitment. It’s easy to think love is just about feeling good or doing what’s comfortable, but that’s not it. Real love is God’s love. There’s no room for entitlement when we’re loving others the way He commands. It requires grace, mercy, and a willingness to forgive, just as He forgives us. It doesn’t come with strings attached or demands; it’s unconditional, and nothing is more rewarding and fulfilling than knowing we’re pleasing God by loving His way. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Words “I Love You”, What They Really Mean”, written by Rev. Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.