Scripture (KJV) – 1 John 3:16–18
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Reflection
It is easy to tell someone we love them. It is much harder to demonstrate that love when it requires something from us.
John points us to the greatest example of love the world has ever known: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. His love was not merely spoken. His love was demonstrated at the Cross.
Then John turns the question toward us.
If I see someone genuinely in need and have the ability to help, but simply turn away, what does that say about the love I claim to have? Christianity should produce more than kind words. There should be compassion behind those words and, when possible, action.
Sometimes showing love costs money. Sometimes it costs time. Sometimes it means sitting with someone who is hurting, forgiving someone who has wronged us, helping someone who cannot repay us, or simply stopping long enough to listen.
This does not mean we can solve every problem or meet every need we encounter. We cannot. But we should never become so busy with ourselves that another person’s suffering no longer touches us.
Jesus did not simply tell us that He loved us.
He showed us.
John challenges us to do the same: “let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Today, look around you. There may be someone who does not need to hear you say that you care nearly as much as they need to see that you care.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me what true love looks like through Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have spoken about love without being willing to demonstrate it. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me. Give me compassion, wisdom, and a willing heart to help when I am able. Let my love be more than words. Help me to love others in deed and in truth so that my life points them toward Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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