Whether written or spoken, words determine the trajectory of a message. When they are inadvertently changed or omitted, the intent of a message becomes distorted.
For instance, “I love you” assumes a new meaning when the word “love” is replaced with “prefer.” While these two words are synonyms, meaning they have the same or nearly the same meaning, they express significantly different emotions.
Love is love, and the use of the word should not be haphazardly expressed or replaced.
To illustrate the power of love, imagine being on the receiving end of a marriage proposal. Instead of your beloved expressing the almighty, “I love you,” they say, “I prefer you.” Ouch.
Love is the greatest of all virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13) and is a core principle of the Bible. Depending on the translation, love is mentioned on average more than 600 times.
Perhaps it is no coincidence that Jesus’ first miracle was during a wedding in Cana Galilee — a wedding that celebrated the sanctity of marriage and love.
As the bridegroom to His bride, the Church, Jesus wants a relationship based on a covenant of love and commitment. It is an unconditional proposal that offers a shared destiny between God and people of all nations.
It is a proposal that we have the free will to accept or decline, a proposal that remains steadfast, even when we turn away like the prodigal son described in Luke 15:11-32.
As stated in 1 John 4:8, “God is Love.” That is His nature. He is not asking to be “preferred” and has never wavered on His love for us. Gaze upon Jesus Christ hanging on the cross and you will see the ultimate definition of love.
Love is an action and comes with a responsibility. It is rooted in the two greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The choice of words matters. We are to love God with all our being, not just partially. We are to purposefully love others, not simply like or tolerate them.
When Peter faced Jesus after denying Him three times, Jesus did not ask Peter, “Do you like me?” or, “Do you prefer me?” As described in John 21: 15-17, Jesus’ words left no room for misinterpretation: “Do you love me?”
Words matter. Love matters. Our response matters.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
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