Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:18, NIV
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. -James 2:14-17, NIV
Actions speak louder than words. Words are important. Our words are to be full of grace and mercy. We build each other up and strengthen our relationships by speaking words of love. But if our words aren’t backed up with actions, they can ring hollow or sound fake.
True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts. If our lives remained unchanged, we don’t truly believe the truths we claim to believe. We cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God, but such actions show that our commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ.
People can doubt our words, but it is tough to argue with an act of kindness. Sometimes our words get tangled up, but our actions speak loud and clear. Sometimes we say things just because we think we are supposed to. However, when we get involved and take action, we participate in God’s love for another person, and we become more like Jesus in the process.
Does someone need an act of kindness today? What does loving someone in the truth mean to you. Heavenly, Father open my eyes today to opportunities to love people with my actions. Amen.