I Love You

The three little words!  Or two if you prefer French, one complex word in Shona.  I grew up in a society where these three little words were almost sacred.  It was a big deal for me to tell anyone I loved them.  I was not showered by them growing up.  Before I left home, I hugged my dad all of two times and my mom maybe a dozen.  They loved me, but they never said it out loud.  The first time I remember Pops professing his love for me was over a telephone line from across the sea.

I love my wife.  I love Jesus.  I love my parents, siblings, friends, in-laws, nephews and nieces.  I love my church, my pastors.  I love music.  I love my car.  I love my motorcycle.  I love the mountains, being outside...I love warm socks.  Can you see how this word is strange.

I hear Greek has plenty of words for love - fraternal love, erotic love, paternal love and there is one that has been translated to mean 'true love' i.e. the ultimate love as shown by God.

Here is my shame: I love all of the above, yet my behaviour does not always confess my love.  Yes, I surely love my wife in the 'big' ways - I buy her stuff, I cook for her, I let her go first, have the bigger piece, I listen to her and respect her whole being.  How about when I talk smack about her to my friends?  Or when I look at other women inappropriately?  I love God as shown by my obedience and my desire to live in a manner pleasing to Him.  Yet I do not always live in a manner pleasing to Him.

So in reality, and accuracy should I say, "I partly love you," or maybe, "I love you, but I will disappoint you"?