LOVE IN DEED
By Carolyn Dale Newell
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18
It feels so good when someone hugs you and tells you they love you. As wonderful as that is, think of the times when someone has shown their love to you by their deeds. Truly, actions speak louder than words.
Love is an action. We need to get into action when we can help others. The command to “love one another” is found many times in the Bible.
The Apostle Paul gives us the command to comfort and edify one another (1 Thes. 5:11). We are commanded in Hebrews 10:24 to stir up love and good works. In Colossians 3:12, Paul writes, “…put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;” When Christians have these attitudes, we will act to help others.
James gets more specific when he wrote, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…” (James 1:27).
There are all types of people who need help at most any time. They are the elderly, the disabled, the poor, and the sick. There are fatherless children living with single moms who need a godly father figure in their lives. People on fixed incomes cannot pay someone to help them, so they for God to send someone their way. Satan has done well in our society to fill our schedules, making us so busy that we barely have time for God, much less others.
Many years ago, my daughter had a tonsillectomy, and when we came home from the hospital, my aunt brought us a cake. It served as a couple of my meals for lack of time and energy, and I have never forgotten it.
Please remember that these are not just suggestions. They are commands from God. Be a blessing to someone, and God will richly bless you.
Dear God,
Open my eyes to the needs of others right here in my own church, and to the needs of someone in my neighborhood. Help me be a blessing to them. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read James 2:14-17.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Pray for God to show you someone with a need that you can meet. It may be the elderly widow in your church who can’t mow her grass. It may be the single mom next door with children that have outgrown their clothes. Make that extra time and effort to be a blessing to them.
Copyright 2015 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 
How right you are that Satan has done well to clog up our society’s schedule… Thank you for reminding us to bless others and meet their needs practically. I join you in prayer right now that our eyes will be open to the needs of others in our church and neighborhoods. God bless you!
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That busy schedule statement got my attention too. Heard Beth Moore say once, “If Satan doesn’t destroy you, he will distract you. Look at your schedule.” B U S T E D! Busy, yep, Burdened Under Satan’s Yoke. busy.
Your agenda, Lord, not mine. I am too easily distracted with the little details of the day versus the little love notes of doing for others. Love this post, Carolyn.
Thank you for making the time to join the dance at #DanceWithJesus Friday.
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Thanks Susan for reading. I’m sorry that it has taken me so long to reply. It’s been a busy 24 hours. There’s that word again – busy. I love that acrosstic for BUSY. Is it OK if I use it? Thanks for hosting the link up. Blessings!
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As I was reading your words, I was reminded of the song by Matthew West that says,
“Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity.”
Actions speak louder than words, indeed. Such a beautiful reminder TO BE the love of Christ. Thank you for this encouragement today, Carolyn!
PS: Love the “dig deeper” and “hiking the trail” at the end of your post. What a great way to encourage readers to reflect further!
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Tina, Thank You for stopping by to read my devotion, and for sharing the lyrics of that beautiful song. May God richly bless you.
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