God's Glory Church

“Let us love not with word or tongue, but with deed and truth!” — 1 John 3:18

What would make someone help a competitor? A restaurant owner named Adolfo in Wisconsin decided to support other local restaurant owners who were trying to adapt to the demands of Covid-19. Adolfo knew first hand about the challenges during the pandemic. Inspired by the generosity of another local entrepreneur, Adolfo used his own funds to purchase over two thousand dollars worth of gift cards to give to his customers to use at other restaurants in his community. This is a manifestation of love not only in words, but also in action.

Based on the supreme manifestation of love demonstrated by Jesus in His willingness to lay down His life for humanity (1 John 3:16), the Apostle John encouraged his readers to also take the next step and show love in action. For John, “laying down our souls for the brothers” (v. 16) meant showing the same love that Jesus showed. This love most often takes the form of everyday, practical actions, for example, sharing material goods. It is not enough to love with words. Love requires sincere, meaningful actions (v. 18).

Putting love into practice can be difficult because it often requires sacrificing something or putting yourself at a disadvantage for the sake of another person. However, with God’s Spirit and with the thought of His generous love for us, we can take the next step of love.

How have you experienced love in action? How to take the next step for a practical expression of love?

Dear Jesus, help me to follow Your example and take the next step to show true love in my actions.

Author: Lisa Samra