The 4 meanings of "I Love You"

“I Love You.”

These may be the three most important words in the English Language.

They’re often the first words we speak to our newborn children and the last words we utter from deathbeds to our families. They’re the words that can signify  a turning point in romantic relationships and the words we often use to express our feelings to those who matter most to us. They’re the words that ultimately define our marriages, our friendships, our families, our faith and our lives.

These three little words are packed with power!

Sadly, anything with power can be misused and abused. It’s the same with Love. Many will attempt to twist and distort the true meaning of love to manipulate others, exploit others for selfish gain or fuel unhealthy, codependent relationships. The concept of love has been hijacked, cheapened and distorted by many and it’s time we reclaim it!

Below are four distinct truths that should all be expressed and meant each time you use the words, “I love you.”

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com 

Next time you say, “I love you,” remember that you are really communicating these four separate truths all at once:

1. I am committed to you.

Love, but its very definition, is rooted in commitment. Love is so much more than a feeling. It’s a choice to stand by someone through all the ups and downs of life; for better or for worse, no matter what!

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7

2. I will protect you.

When we express real love to someone, we’re asking them to place their heart and their life into our hands, because we’d be willing to die to protect them. When you love someone, you must be willing to risk your own comfort, your reputation or even your own life to protect theirs.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” –Jesus (John 15:13)

3. I will believe in you even when you struggle to believe in yourself. 

People aren’t perfect; but love is. If you love someone, choose to see the best in them. Patiently offer grace to help them overcome their frailties and flaws; and allow love to bring out the best in you both.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

4. I will prove my love for you by my actions.

Words are important, but without matching actions, our words are empty. Love cannot be expressed merely by words; it must by communicated by the consistency of our actions. When we truly love someone, our words and our actions will be aligned.

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18

For more tools to help you build stronger relationships, please watch our FREE video The 7 Laws of Love.

For ways to build a stronger bond of love in your marriage, check out our bestselling book iVow: Secrets to a Stronger Marriage which is now also available on iTunes for Download on iPhones, iPads and all Apple devices.

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