The Best Expression of Love

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” – 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

The best expression of love isn’t found in fancy words or grand gestures.

Love is a four letter word, and you spell love: T-I-M-E.

Time is the most priceless gift we can give. Not money. Not things. Focused attention. When we choose to be fully present with someone—our spouse, our children, a friend—we’re saying, “You matter. You are valuable. I see you.”

Why is that such a big deal?

Because time is our most limited resource. We all have different levels of energy. Different amounts of money. Different skills and experiences.

But every one of us has the exact same number of hours in a week: 168.

How we spend that time says everything about what (and who) we truly love.

The average American will live about 25,550 days. That’s it.

Once a moment passes, we can never get it back. Every hour we give to someone is a little piece of our life we’ll never see again. That’s why it’s so valuable. That’s why it means so much.

You can always make more money.

You can’t make more time.

I’ve talked to countless husbands and dads over the years who say, “I don’t get it. I work hard. I provide everything my family needs—actually, more than they need. We live comfortably. What more could they possibly want?”

Here’s the answer: They want you.

Not your money.

Not your things.

You.

Your attention. Your presence. Your heart. Your time.

No amount of stuff can replace a mom or dad who’s truly there.

Kids don’t need more toys—they need connection.

Spouses don’t need a bigger house—they need your presence.

Friends don’t need a text—they need time together.

Ephesians 5:2 reminds us: “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us.”

Love is sacrifice. If it doesn’t cost you something—your energy, your attention, your preferences—it isn’t real love.

You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.

What if you started tomorrow with a different mindset? Before your feet hit the floor, take 30 seconds and pray something like this:

“God, if I don’t get anything else done today, I want to love You a little more and know You a little better. And I want to love the people You’ve placed in my life. Because that’s what You put me on this earth to do.”

That’s the heart of it.

The best use of life is love.

And the best expression of love… is time.