I love you.

Three simple words. So much meaning. Several years ago I was reminded of how important those words are. Not because someone died and I hadn't said it enough. Not because I don't hear it enough. But because someone shared with me how important those three words were to her.

It was one of my high school girls. I adored her. She was and is smart, beautiful, talented, and on fire for God. She had a great family. Not one that supported her in the church, but loved her- lots. It was not a broken home at all.

Every time I saw her I told her I loved her. Because I did and still do. I don't say this lightly, but when I tell people I love them I look them in the eye, smile, and make sure my heart is really feeling God's love for them.

One night after Bible study I told her I loved her as she left. She stopped, looked at me and said, "Do you know that you are the only person that tells me that?"

WOW.

Here was a girl loved by many, but not told. It's so important for us to hear "I love you." Not because we are supposed to say it, but because we choose to love each other and need to remind each other of that fact.

Don't forget to tell people you love them- out loud and with meaning. It may be the only "I love you" they'll hear.

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Luke 10:27