How to Say "I Love You"

"I love you! I love you!" my heart exclaimed to Jesus for several days. I longed to know how I could more adequately express my love to Him.

I found my answer from a line in Bishop Westcott's book on the epistle of John: "Love for Christ finds practical expression in love for the brethren." I loved the idea that I could tell Jesus "I love You" by doing good deeds for others.

When Jesus first arose from the dead and appeared to Mary Magdalene, He said, "Don't touch me for I haven't yet ascended to my Father" (John 20:17). Jesus' sacrificial giving of himself was first of all for God. His primary reason for dying--and all He did--was to please His Father. His desire to deliver us from our fallenness was secondary.

Paul's words, "Christ's love compels us" (2 Corinthians 5:14) could be translated, "Your very own love You have placed in my heart creates a driving desire to do something for You."

It's amazing how doing what we do out of love for Jesus makes the most menial or thankless task have value. Oswald Chambers said, "If you are devoted to the cause of humanity, you will soon be exhausted...but if the mainspring of your service is love for Jesus, you can serve men though they treat you as a doormat."

Thank You, Jesus, that when I do something for "one of the least" You receive it as though I am doing it for You. My reward is Your approval.

 "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us" (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

.Aletha