I love you" is one of the most powerful and meaningful phrases in any language. Too often, however, we use the word without reflecting on its deeper meaning. It's time to consider love in the light of the unconditional love God has for us, and to question the true depth of our feelings.

The Father's love as a barometer

A good reference point for understanding authentic love is the love God the Father has for us. The Bible is full of verses that describe this immeasurable love. For example, John 3:16 reminds us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." It's a love that goes beyond all boundaries and limits.

True Love: Sacrifice

To truly love someone is more than just a word. It's an action. Jesus himself teaches us in John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This is true love, a love that is willing to sacrifice itself for the good of the other.

The example of love in the Bible

The Bible offers us countless examples of love. One of the most striking is God's love for the Church, symbolized in Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her." This love is pure, selfless and self-sacrificing.

Staying Vigilant with Discernment In a world where the word "love" is often used lightly, it's essential to remain vigilant and discerning. Let's not forget that true love is much more than just a word. It manifests itself in actions, sacrifices and a deep commitment to the other person.

 Whether we are believers or not, we can all learn from divine love. This love is a model of what true love is. It teaches us to love not only with words, but also with actions, and to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the good of those we love. Let us examine the depths of our feelings and seek to love as God loves us, with unconditional, self-sacrificing love.

Mary NGASSA