Love should be no secret

November 5, 2007

By Gary Rogers

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you” (1 Thessalonians 3:12, NIV).

It would be sobering to realize you might be speaking your last words. You would want to be very clear in your choice of words and the message conveyed. This would not be a time for trivial or insignificant expressions. You would want to communicate something of value from your heart. You would weigh each word carefully.

Jonathan Tyrrell of Charleston, S.C., was trapped in a burning furniture store speaking on the phone to the fire department dispatch. The dispatcher communicated to the trapped man that help was on the way. He was told to stay low and keep banging on the wall with the hammer he had found. Jonathan’s reply was, “Please don’t be long. I’ve got a wife and kids.” He was soon rescued by the firemen.

Not long after Tyrrell’s rescue another group of firefighters in the same building were cut off from their escape route. They called to dispatch with “Mayday!” Soon the nine firefighters realized there was no hope for their rescue. A voice was transmitted over the radio saying, “I love you.” Then the order came over the radio to stay off the system and a prayer was spoken over the radio ending, “In Jesus’ name, amen.” The radio went silent. Nine firemen died.

It was not determined who spoke those last words, “I love you.” It may have been one speaking on behalf of all the others. Whoever it was, the message was clear. With his last words he wanted his love communicated to the people he cared for.

Why is it so hard for us to communicate our love, appreciation and admiration for one another? For some reason it seems easier to communicate these feelings when we are saying good-bye, moving away, or changing jobs and won’t see the people again.

We need to be more open in communicating our love for one another. Rather than waiting until they are the last words, you and I should make words of affection part of our daily communication.

Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.