The same apostle who said, “Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18), also recorded Jesus saying, “These things I speak . . . that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13), and, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). If the “speaking” of Jesus imparts joy, and the “words” of Jesus give spiritual life, then surely such speaking is love. It has always troubled ...