The smiley emoji no longer means what it used to mean.

If you’re a person over 30, the smiley emoji says that you’re friendly.

But if you’re under 30, the smiley emoji says you’re passive-aggressive.

On the outside it says: “I like you.”

On the inside, though, it says: “I hate you.”

So how can we ever know what a person is really saying?

Words and symbols are not enough. It’s actions that count.

That’s why Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” And then Jesus acts on his words by dying for us.

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The cross might be a symbol of love. But it’s only a symbol of love because of Christ’s action on that cross.

And just like the smiley emoji changed its meaning, Jesus forever changed the cross’s meaning from a symbol of shame to a symbol of love.


About the Author: Sam Chan is a theologian, preacher, author, evangelist, ethicist, cultural analyst and medical doctor.

Article supplied with thanks to Espresso Theology.


Sam Chan

Sam is a theologian, medical doctor, preacher and cultural analyst who brings clarity and insight to questions of faith and contemporary life. A sought?after speaker and author, he is also the founder of Espresso Theology, where he explores the intersection of theology, culture and everyday faith.

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