Love: The Most Overused Word in the English Language

One of my favorite YouTube channels is called "Blimey Cow". I recently was watching one of their "Messy Monday" videos titled "'Like' vs. 'Love'" (watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Iv62bxFTW0&feature=bf_next&list=PL84299E25C73D08DE). In this video, Jordan comically illustrates his frustration with the overuse of the word "Love" in today's society.

He points out that, unlike other languages, the only word we have in the English language to describe love is... well... love. When he said that, it reminded me that in the Greek language, there are four different types of "love". They are:

1. Eros, which is sexual love/lust. (This is where we get the word "Erotic").
2. Storge, which is love between sisters and brothers, mother and child, ect. Family love.
3. Philia, which is love for your friends. (Remember the root "phil" from English class?)
4. Agape, which is the highest form of love there is. It is unconditional love for others in spite of their character flaws and weaknesses. This is the love that, as a Christian, I would say that God has for us (John 3:16), and the love that He desires for us to have for our fellow human. (Mark 12:31)

Jordan then challenges the viewer on why they use the same word to describe their feelings toward something as meaningless as a bar of soap as they would their family, or even God himself. "It just doesn't make any sense, does it!?" You're right, Jordan, it doesn't make ANY sense. He goes on to say "Love is a verb. It's something you actively do, not something you feel". And in my opinion, he's right.

Let me guess, you tell your mom you love her everyday, but when was the last time you did something nice for her? Even something as simple as getting her a fresh cup of coffee without her asking for it? 

Are you one of  those people who constantly posts on Facebook about how much you "love" the guy or gal you've been dating for 2 weeks, but then when someone new comes to town who you think is more attractive (*cough* EROS *cough*), you leave your significant other in pursuit of the new person?

Let's look at what the Bible says about love:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Ask yourself, did you truly love them? No, you didn't, because love is not self-seeking. When you truly love someone, you would lay down your life for them (John 15:13).

So the next time you're about to tell someone you love them when you are only a week into the relationship, or say you love the new soap at Bath & Body works, don't. You don't love soap, you like soap. You don't love your new partner, you're attracted to them.

And I know at least one of you is staring at the screen wanting to scream at me: "I love my new boyfriend! I really do!!!" Stop. Breathe. Think about the depth of your words for a second. Would you literally die for them? No, you probably wouldn't.

Try using "like" instead of love in everyday conversation, and I think you'll find that when you do say "I love you", it will have a lot more meaning than it did before.