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Statements and Values

There are times when we are timid and shy about expressing the love we feel.  For fear of embarrassing the other person, or ourselves, we hesitate to say the actual words, ‘I love you.’  So we try to communicate the idea in other words, expression, or actions.

We say, ‘take care,’ or ‘God Bless.’ But really these are just other ways of saying, ‘I love you,’ ‘you matter to me,’ ‘I care about you.’

We are sometimes very strange people.  The ONE thing we want to say, and the ONE thing we should say, is the ONE thing we do not say.  So we are driven to use other words and signs to say what we mean. 

Therefore, we have to listen for love.  We have to listen for love in the words that people say to us or in their expressions and actions.  Even a little joke or tease may carry the sentiment of love.  An impulsive touch or quick hug can say ‘I love you.’

Any expression of one person’s heartfelt concern for another person conveys the love that Christ conveys to us.  Sometimes we just have to look and listen for it.  It is often there just beneath the surface.

We say, ‘I love you,’ in many ways – with cards and gifts, with little notes, with smiles and with tears.  Sometimes we show our love by just keeping quiet and not saying a single word.  Sometimes the only way we can show our love is by forgiving someone who has not listened to or heart the love we have tried to express.

We always have to listen for love in those around us.  If we listen closely, we will likely discover that we are a lot more loved than we realized.

-- Written by Chaplain Paul Rist