1John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Maybe the word “only” could be inserted in this verse: “let us not love only with words or speech…” Because sincere words of love are a beautiful gift we too infrequently think to give. But, love given as an action, with time and effort included, is beautiful. Words can be sincere, of course, but actions seem to prove the point. They involve a true sacrifice of time and energy that can’t be set aside as meaningless. This is an important lesson for me, and I need to take it in.
Father God, I am surrounded by sincere love. Help me to show that same love to others. Light my path if I am getting lost, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
1 John 3:18
This is pretty straightforward. If we say, we love, show we love. Our actions should demonstrate our love. It may be a prayer for someone, a plate of cookies to a new neighbor, a ride to the doctor for someone who can’t drive, caring for an infant while a new mother naps… All of these acts, no matter how small are acts of love and matter.
Dear Lord, guide me daily to act out of love and kindness. Help me to make a difference with these acts. Amen.
Friday, January 3rd, 2025
1 John 3:18
Dear children let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
I must show love through actions that are sincere, not with just empty words. It's the kind of love Jesus showed- a love that serves, sacrifices, and seeks the good for others.
Each act of kindness, each choice to put others first, each moment of genuine care - these are the ways we show God's love to those around us.
Loving like this isn't always comfortable. It asks us to step out of our self-centered habits, to give and to open our hearts to the needs of others. With these acts of love, I hope to find…
1 John 3:18
Dear Children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
"Actions speak louder than words." My parents taught me this by their own actions. You can be a faithful church goer and Bible reader, but if you don't act out the love you hear and read about what good have you done? James explains this often in his Chapter. Faith alone does not help anyone. Faith without good deeds is not a living faith. Our goal should be to have a living faith.
Prayer: Gracious God, may I use what I learn from you to help others. AMEM
1John 3:18
This verse reminds me of the aphorism, “If you talk the talk, you’d better walk the walk.” Pretty words like, “I’ll pray for you” can be helpful, but, “How can I help you through this” demonstrates Christian love in a way that the recipient will always remember. I agree with Becky that this way of demonstrating our sincerity regarding the welfare of others should be a “both/and” proposition.
Prayer - Merciful God, guide me to be merciful in thought, word and especially deed to others in need of a measure of Christin love to help them through difficult circumstances. May I be one who “walks the talk.” Amen
TAA