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 a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. – (1 John 3:18, VOICE)
Love is not merely a word, but rather it is made evident with truth and action. When love is a way of life, it is trusted and true. Jesus was the ultimate example of living a life of love through truth and action. He continually showed love through the things He did, just as much as through the words He spoke. His willingness to touch the untouchable, listen to those who had been ignored, heal the suffering, walk with the lonely, share with the lacking, and ultimately He laid down His life for us all in an overwhelmingly powerful display of His love. Love is practical, for love sees a need and works to meet it. This morning, I am sweetly reminded of how much love is demonstrated through what we do. Our dogs know they are loved and follow me, bounding up the stairs each morning as they know they will be fed and have their needs met. After they have eaten and gone outside, they cozy up beside me on the couch, where they know they will get pets and snuggles. When my husband comes upstairs to get ready to leave for work, they jump off the couch to greet him. Again, they know they will have a cuddle with dad before he leaves, and tails wag the moment they hear him coming up the stairs. Our posture ought to be similar, for as we wake in the morning, He is present to greet us and has provided us with another day. When it is our priority, our way of life to seek the Lord as we begin each day, we are reminded and filled so that we can go forth in love. May we ever turn to the Lord and seek His guidance so that we may love in truth and action, not just with words.
Much more than a word,
love’s shown through our deeds;
love helps and gives hope,
it seeks to meet needs.
Love lives out the truth,
and shows through action;
the goodness of God,
sweet satisfaction.
It’s a choice each day,
to choose to love well;
daily decision,
to have our life tell.
Tell of His goodness,
demonstrate His grace;
to love with our lives,
right here in this place.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You gave us the ultimate example of love through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You that He not only spoke in love, but He lived it out in truth and action. Forgive us for every word, thought, and deed that has not been an instrument of Your love. Teach us to let Your love lead us in all that we say and do. Show us how to love those around us best, as You touch each heart and grant Your peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love in truth and action throughout each new day. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:9-10