LOVE
Love benefits all parties involved, the giver and receiver. Our actions must speak louder than the words when it comes to love. “Children, let us not love with words or speech but with action and in truth.” (1 John 3:18 NIV) We have all heard the phrase “action speaks louder than words” and the Bible even tells us so. How many times have we witnessed this in everyday life. We have all probably known someone or been in a relationship that one minute it’s “I love you” and the next minute an altercation occurs or verbal abuse takes place, then the cycle starts again.
I again reflect on the little boy at the restaurant, and have no doubt that at one time his father told him how much he loved him. However, as he grew older that faded, especially that Saturday morning. To be ridiculed for comments, belittled because of his mother, and blamed for interfering in his father’s free time. I’m guessing that wasn’t his first time hearing those words, and he handled them rather well and with a tough shell on the outside for a boy his age. Sadly, he’s not the only one with that struggle and somewhere there is a little girl simply seeking a father’s genuine love just like he is.
When we love, really love, we need to not only say it, but prove it through our actions. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and seen a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them how can the love of God be in that person.” (1 John 3:16-18 NIV) When we love only in word, we stop short of proving that love in action. I can be easy to get caught up in natural events, to prove success, and get lost in our stuff. To lay down our lives for others we can share some of our livelihood for fellow brothers and sisters. We can act in loving ways, by doing what our words project, and project loving and encouraging words with actions to match.
Today I challenge you to act on your words, maybe it’s as simple as lending a helping hand around the house, or a neighbor, tell your kids you love them and show them through your actions. As we rap up love, it reminds me of the day I couldn’t get into the garage because the door was blocked by toys and bicycles. A neighbor said, “don’t you just hate that” and at first, I thought “oh man” then I had to laugh, it was a long day of summer play, the kids were zapped and I have no doubt the last thing on their minds were putting stuff away. I simply responded “no, no I don’t because right now there are hundreds of people that want kids and can’t have them, or never had the opportunity and they wish they could have this dilemma, so no I don’t hate this at all.” I love them with all my heart, I would lay down my life for them, I am truly blessed beyond belief. Now work on your challenge.
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