What Does "LOVE" Mean?

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Aren't the words of little children amazing? Before children are old enough to be jaded, their insights are fascinating! They speak so simply, yet with so much truth. I relish the answers several children gave to the question, "What does love mean?"

One child said, "Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." A five year-old explained, "Love is when a girl puts on perfume, and a guy puts on cologne, and they go out and smell each other." Beyond the funny answers, four year-old Billy spoke truth. "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

If little Billy already understands this, it won't be long before he understands the intent of Psalms 19:14. "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing in Your sight, O, Lord." He'll soon know the power and the blessings of speaking Jesus' name in love. The sound of it from Billy's mouth will be different and safe.

But, what about us - does Jesus know His name is safe in our mouths? With safe meaning the words we speak will be in love, and not contradicted by our actions. Within the walls of the church, Jesus' name is safe, but is it safe outside the church walls?

With the church we sing, "I love Thy Kingdom, Lord, the house of Thine abode." But, if we speak any ill word about His church, can Jesus know His name is safe in our mouths?

With the church we sing, "O, to be like Thee...Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart." But, if the world does not see Christ in us; instead seeing us looking to much like them, can Jesus know His name is safe with us?

With the church we sing, "Blessed be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love." But, if we slander or gossip a child of God, can Jesus trust how we will speak His name?

Yet, from another perspective, perhaps, Jesus knows his name is too safe in our mouths. Is His name safe, as in being locked away in a vault, far too seldom unlocked to speak His name? We sing, "I love to tell the story of Jesus and His love." But, if we ignore the opportunities to the story, is his name too safe?

Little Billy has it right - he's heard his name spoken in love, safely spoken from his mother's mouth. And, Billy longs for the sound of it; just as we, too, long to hear the sweet sound of our name safe in the mouth of Jesus!

Let yourself imagine the first time you'll see Jesus. He will be sitting at the right hand of God. Jesus will see you coming before the throne. What are the words you most want to hear Jesus say?

"Father, Father, here comes Your child, _______. You've know him as Your child. You've known this little child because my blood has covered ______ all these years."

Imagine God's reply, "Yes, Jesus, I know my child. Clothed in Your righteousness, this child looks just like You." Then, hear the sweetest words, "Well done, My good and faithful child. Enter into the joys of Thy Lord."

We will never hear a sweeter sound than when our names are safely spoken from the lips of our Savior. So, let us purpose to speak every word in love. Let our words reveal our love for one another, our love for Jesus, and our love for His Church.

Is His name safe with you? Is your name safe with Jesus? It can be! And, in Jesus you can answer the question, "What does love mean?"