February 14^th was Valentine’s Day. A day when people in the U.S.A. and other parts of the world displayed their love and affection toward others by giving flowers and candy and such. Those wishing to express their love this Valentine’s Day spent well over 26 billion dollars to do so! 

“Do you Love Me?”  This question could arguably be the most asked regarding commitment in a relationship.  Throughout history, this question has attempted to be answered in a plethora of lyrics to songs and poems. These stirring words, which strike an emotional chord with most, really don’t answer the question. Words without action and effort mean very little; too much time and effort are usually spent on speaking words rather than demonstrated by actions. 

In the 1964 Musical My Fair Lady, Eliza, played by Audrey Hepburn, responds to a would-be suitor in the musical number “Show Me”. As the man after Eliza’s goes on about how much he loves her she replies…  

Make me no undying vow. Show me now!
Sing me no song! Read me no rhyme!
Don’t waste my time, Show me!
Don’t talk of June, Don’t talk of fall!
Don’t talk at all! Show me!

The Gospel of John narrates the same concept of commitment to a relationship. In John 21:15-17 we read the story where Jesus asks Peter, Do you love me? Peter responded with the words “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” After the third time, Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my sheep”.  In other words, show me that you love me through your actions, not just with words, words are cheap. 

Do our actions, or lack of them, betray our flattering words of love toward the Lord? 

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of me.” Matthew 15:8–9