October 21
Scripture: 1 Pet 2:17
Source author: Mary Laufer
October 21
I Love You More Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. —1 Peter 2:17
I was in a hurry to end a cell phone conversation with my girlfriend. “Good-bye, Lorraine,” I said. “I love you!” Oops! The “I love you” part slipped out by mistake. It wasn’t meant for Lorraine at all, but for my husband, who was temporarily working out of town. Every night I told him I loved him before I hung up the phone. But this wasn’t my husband. Lorraine was on the other end of the line! To my surprise, Lorraine giggled. “I love you more!” she sang. It sounded as if she was grinning from ear to ear. I flipped my phone closed. The next time we talked, should I confess that I’d said “I love you” out of habit? No. It might hurt her feelings. The truth is, I really did love Lorraine. Why was it so easy to tell my husband I loved him, but not my friend? Now at the end of every phone call, Lorraine says, “I love you!” I stifle a laugh and reply, “I love you more!”
We all need to hear the words “I love you.” — Mary Laufer —