Love: More Than Just a Four-Letter Word (It’s a Layered Cake!)

Love's true measure isn't in the echoing of 'I love you,' but in the quiet resonance of 'I am here.'

Okay, let’s talk about love. Yeah, that four letter word that causes more drama than a reality TV show. We throw it around like it’s confetti, but honestly, most of us are clueless about the real deal. I'm here to tell you, it's not just a word, it's a whole freaking experience.

I've been there. I've had the “I love you” tossed at me like a cheap pick-up line, and I’ve seen it used to manipulate and get what someone wants. But I’ve also caught glimpses of the real thing, the kind that sticks around when life throws a curveball. And here’s what I've learned: love ain’t one-size-fits-all. It’s like a layered cake, and most of us are just licking the frosting.

And speaking of layers, let’s talk about the highest level of love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16. We’ve all heard it, but do we get it? God’s love is like trying to explain the ocean to a goldfish, it’s pure, boundless, and freely given. Because God gives it, we experience it, and we try to share it.  

Then there’s the “jump-in-front-of-a-bus” love. That crazy-deep devotion where you’d sacrifice anything for someone (or something). For me, that’s reserved for my wife and kids.

Next up, family love. And I’m not just talking blood relatives. This is your ride-or-die crew, the people who stick with you when you’re a hot mess. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real.

And then there's the “I love you because I love you” love. This is the kind of love we’re called to show everyone. It’s about being Christ-like – not just saying the words, but living them. It's about compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, even for the people who drive you crazy. Forget what the world says is acceptable; show them Christ, and watch the world change. This means loving the annoying coworker, the haters, and everyone in between.

Finally, there’s the superficial stuff. The “I love you” thrown around casually, driven by ulterior motives or a lack of real understanding. It’s easily mistaken for lust, infatuation, or just plain loneliness.

Look, I’ve been through the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to love. And I’m here to tell you, the pursuit of genuine connection is worth it. Don’t settle for the cheap imitations. Seek depth, authenticity, and a love that sticks. We all deserve to experience that kind of transformative power. So, keep your heart open, and don’t give up on finding the real deal. You got this.