Words in Action

  1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Actions do speak louder than words. Words can be very effective when used to lift or encourage someone who is going through difficult times. Words do have meaning and are a very powerful way to communicate God’s love to others. But sometimes words can be hollow or insincere. Jesus tells a story of a person who was robbed and left for dead when certain religious men came by, and seemingly felt sorry for the man, but did nothing to help him. But it was the good Samaritan that didn’t speak words of platitude, he put action to his words and provided help for the injured man. John gives us an example of Jesus who not only spoke words of love and kindness, but was willing to die for us. The God of creation laid down His life that we may have deliverance from sin, so it provided a way to connect us back to our creator. Love is hypocritical when one has the means and ability to help, but is not willing to give when the need arises. Scripture makes it clear that salvation is not possible by doing good deeds. Laying down your life for someone else is admirable, but done in the absence of God’s love in the heart, the sacrifice is earthly and without heavenly reward. Work without love is dead, our deeds must be done in truth. We are not able to help or give our means for every cause that crosses our pathway, but God is faithful to show us His good will and pleasure. Let us not shut up our hearts of compassion, but let us open our hearts by putting words to action, to help our brothers in need.

Doing Good Deeds

 1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

It is said that actions speak louder than words. The Bible teaches us that words alone are not enough to prove our love for God or others. We can say we love God, but our actions say otherwise. Like faith and works, love and works go hand in hand. It is good that we speak words of kindness and appreciation, verbalizing our love for others, but where the rubber hits the road is when we demonstrate our love by giving ourselves and time to others who are in need. We will not be able to always give to everyone in need, or for every cause that is present, but God is faithful to lead each of us to give when the opportunity is open to us, and His spirit prompts us into action. Doing good deeds for others does not necessarily mean we are showing love. We must do so with truth, and with pure motives. Let us walk the talk, and manifest Christ in a world that is hurting and in need of special healing.

Bleeding of the Sheep

1 Samuel 15:14  
And Samuel said, What meaning then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

Doing good deeds to cover up sin will not work. Saul was given direct instructions to destroy the enemy and all they possessed. His ambition to save the best for himself backed fired on him.  He thought he fooled God and got away with his actions by justifying his actions by saying he was doing it to honor God. Good intentions are not good if they go against the commandments of the Lord. Giving offerings to the church or some charitable organization does not do away with committing sin. Eternity is not determine by the balance of good deeds out weighing evil deeds. When God speaks, it is best to trust and obey. The word of God makes it clear that the only way to eternal life is through Christ. Seeking the approbation of God by any other means is futile. Walk in the light, follow Christ, and obey His voice, and the bleating of the sheep will have eternal benefits.

Do All in The Name of Jesus

Col 3:17 -And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…

The life style of a Christian matters. The things you do and say each day reflect your character. The Character of a Christian is built on doing what is right. Keeping your word, doing acts of kindness to those around you, speaking words that uplift the human spirit, considering others before yourself, and many other ways that could be mention. Paul wraps it up in one sentence. Live your life every day to represent the name of Jesus. That is reason enough to be careful in the words we use to express our feelings, thoughts, and emotions. The world finds it acceptable to use profanity and other unclean words to express how they feel, but a Christian lives a higher standard. Their words are guarded by the Holy Spirit who leads them into righteousness, truth, and holy living. Learning to live in the name of Jesus is a daily walk and old habits may take time to break. Let us walk in the newness of life, and live our lives each day to bring glory to God and honor His Name.

Good Reputation

Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

A good reputation is characterized by the good things people think of us. We mean what we say, and we say what we mean. Honest in business, and the willingness to treat others fairly.  A bad reputation is determine by the negative opinion that others have of us, normally based on the deeds and actions we do. The habits we form in life are seen by others, which form an opinion that can leave a good or bad reputation of our character. Making yourself of no reputation is to do what is right regardless what others may think of you. Jesus sat and ate with the Publicans, had no regard to his reputation. He was a friend to sinners, making himself of no reputation to the religious leaders of that day. It is important that we guard our reputation, but what others think of us should not hinder us from doing what is right. People may not always understand, but God who knows the heart, is pleased. Don’t worry what man thinks of you, but be concern what God thinks of you. We should always seek a good reputation in the sight of God.

Opportunity

Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Opportunity is a window of time given to us by God to do something good. Such opportunity often go unnoticed because we are too occupied with making sure that all our needs are being met. We get busy with legitimate things in life and fail to look for those windows of time when we can do something good for someone else. We sometimes have to go out of way to make those opportunities happen. Sacrifice may be involved when the window of time is open, and we need to be willing to say yes to the Holy Spirit as He whispers to us to seize the moment. May God help us to be alert and take advantage of those times, He desires us to be a blessing to others, let us be aware of our surroundings and do good to all men.