Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action. – (1 John 3:18, HCSB)
My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. – (1 John 3:18, ERV)
My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or theory. Make your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. – (1 John 3:18, VOICE)
Actions speak louder than words. People can talk about love incessantly, profess love repeatedly, but if their actions do not align, the words have no meaning. Love is most clearly shown through consistency over time. If our actions, attitudes and patterns are ones steeped in love, the goodness of God is clearly displayed to those around us. One of my favorite quotes is: “Preach the gospel always. When necessary, use words.” (St. Francis Assisi) This further supports the impact of our actions, for what we do over and over again are the things that demonstrate who we truly are. When we choose to let love lead us, the truth of what love really is, is made known. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in making gracious love our true way of life.
Lord, show us the way,
To live out Your love;
In all that we do,
With grace from above.
Show us Your kindness,
So we do the same;
May each decision,
Glorify Your Name.
Help us to love true,
Through all that is done;
Each step that we take,
To honor Your Son.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love with our lives, not just with words. Thank You Jesus, for You have shown us what it means to love with truth and actions; You touched the untouchable, loved the unlovable, healed the broken, and helped those who were unable to help themselves. Forgive us Father, for the times we have spoken empty words rather than doing what it takes to love well. Teach us to listen to Your leading so that we may learn how to live out Your love in practical and tangible ways. Show us how to love those around us in the ways that speak to their hearts most clearly. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pursue a life of truth that leads us to love in everything that we do. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
The Lord will send His faithful love by day; His song will be with me in the night – a prayer to the God of my life. – Psalm 42:8
Revelations In Writing 