When was the last time you told someone you love them? Was it last night, this morning, this afternoon?  Did the person you were speaking to return the sentiment?  You might use those three little words to show your love to that special someone, the person with whom you will spend the rest of your life.  Or perhaps you often say these three words to a parent, grandparent, child, or dear friend.  While we may love our family and friends unconditionally, there is one whose love surpasses all of the love we could ever give.  Jesus loved us before we were even born.  He loved us when we were unlovable.  Although three of the most touching words in this world are “I love you,” it is certain that there are three words that carry an even greater meaning.  Those three words are: “Jesus loves you.”

This past week, someone asked me what I would consider to be my favorite phrase of all time.  I thought for a moment about this question, ensuring that I considered the vast majority of phrases I have heard in my lifetime.  There are humorous and solemn ones, positive and negative ones, happy and sad ones…but, then, it dawned on me.  I realized at that moment that there was one phrase that truly stood above the rest.  One short phrase says it all.  Three simple words, yet they encompass such a complex meaning.  The phrase?  Jesus loves you.

After I gave them my response, I began to think about what those three simple words truly mean.  Sure, I often say “Love ya” or “I love you” to close friends and family.  Yet, I am not capable of loving as Jesus loves.  I cannot comprehend the unconditional love that He has for us.  I cannot fathom the depth of His love.  Jesus not only loves those who serve Him, but He loves every single person on earth.  He loves the single mom whose husband passed away, so now she works three jobs to provide a shelter, food, and clothing for her children.  He loves the preacher who burns the candle at both ends, simultaneously caring for his own family, ministering to his congregation, and visiting the unsaved, the sick, and the dying.  He even loves the person who spends their life on the streets, purchasing illegal drugs and continually searching for happiness that they cannot seem to find.  It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, where you are, or where you’re going…Jesus loves you.

Think about it.  To Jesus Christ, what does it mean to say, “I love you?”  Does it mean you love everything the person does?  Does it mean you like everything they say?  Does it even mean you approve of the way they look?  No.  Romans 5:8 (NIV) says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  This verse doesn’t say that Christ died for the good-doers, the eloquent speakers, or the person with a pretty face.  It says that God loved us enough to give His only Son to die for our sins.  God loved the sinners.  Christ died for the unlovable.  He died for you, He died for your family, and He died for your neighbors.  Jesus died for every man, woman, and child.  No matter who you are, Jesus loves you.

The most wonderful aspect of Jesus’ love is that it is eternal.  He gives us an infinite supply of His unconditional love.  There is nothing that can take away the love He has for us.  Romans 8:39 (NIV) says, “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  While a husband and wife may quarrel, children may argue with their parents, and two friends may go their separate ways, the love of Jesus will never change.  His love is the same yesterday, today and forever.  There is never a time when He will stop loving you.  Why?  Because Jesus loves you unconditionally.

The next time you hear someone say, “I love you,” consider the wonderful opportunity to share God’s love with them.  If you are a Christian, I challenge you to allow God to use you to be a witness for Him.  If you are not a Christian, and you want to know why the King of all Kings would love you unconditionally, remember this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).  God loved you enough to give His only Son, so you could have eternal life.  He thinks you are amazing.  He knows that your life is valuable.  He longs for you to love Him.  Jesus’ love is limitless, and He loves each and every one of us unconditionally.  No matter what, JESUS loves you!

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer