Love is an easy word to use. Saying “I love you” comes naturally, but the words only carry weight when actions support them. This truth also matters deeply in our relationship with God.
If we surveyed Christians, most would say they love Jesus. But love varies in depth. One person loves Jesus until life becomes difficult, then turns away. Another gives his life for Him. The difference lies in what supports the claim of love.
I can tell my wife I love her all day, but if I fail to show it through my actions, my words lose meaning. Love requires sacrifice. Attraction may draw two people together, but attraction is not love. Many people enter marriage without fully understanding this. In marriage, two become one flesh, so each spouse must treat the other as himself. This is easier said then done as it takes effort, time, and patience.
Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” We show our love for Him by obeying Him. If I claim to love Jesus but treat others He loves as objects, I damage that relationship. If I never visit Him at church or speak with Him in prayer, how can the relationship grow? If I refuse to honor my father and mother, how can I remain close to God?
Following the commandments maintains our relationship with God, but it does not deepen it on its own. Obedience keeps the relationship intact, but love calls us further. To grow closer to Jesus, we must pursue the Beatitudes and the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We should reflect on Scripture and commit ourselves to fervent prayer. We must give our lives to God and invite Him into every part. Do not approach Him only in need. Speak with Him every day. A strong relationship with God requires more than just doing the minimum.
Just as a married couple begins to take on the traits of each other after spending years together, we begin to reflect God when we spend time with Him. When we worthily receive the Eucharist, Jesus truly dwells within us. For a time, we become living tabernacles, bringing His physical presence into the world.
As King David said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” We keep our light burning bright standing next to the ultimate light and we gain salvation by following Him. We can’t just profess that we love Jesus without walking the walk. Jesus showed us how much He loves us through the cross. Let’s show Jesus how much we love Him as well.
