After recent hate-filled behaviors happening all around the world, it appears as if love–and loving one another–has as been thrown out with yesterday’s trash.
Yet, I hear others talking about love. I see tweets of some proclaiming, “I will not stay silent,” and “Love is my language.” Facebook posts are condemning hate and sharing words of love. All these things are great. They truly are. And they encourage my heart that love is still alive.
Yes, words are important. But, I believe love is more than words. Love is more than a tweet, or a post, or an article. It’s deeper than saying the words, “I love you.” Love is about action. It’s practical, down-to-earth, everyday, where the rubber-meets-the-road kind of behavior.
Love is a verb.
It’s good to talk about love. It’s great to write or speak about love. But, I believe it’s even better to live it.
My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. 1 John 3:18 VOICE
And another version of the same verse:
My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. 1 John 3:18 ERV
What if we talked about it less and loved more?
Instead of talking about it, what if we were people who spread love everywhere we went? Who smiled at strangers. Who held the door open for another. People who allowed another to merge in front of us in traffic.
Instead of just conversing about love, what if we were the ones who chose to get along with whom we don’t see eye to eye, or were kind to those affiliated with a different political party?
What if we used our words to pray for others, to build up others, and to speak love into the lives of others… even if they didn’t believe what we believe?
What if our responses, our actions, our lives were centered on nothing but love?
Friend, I believe something incredible would happen. I believe we would start a ripple affect that would expand from us, through our homes, and onto our social media outlets. It would stretch out into our communities and into our workplaces and schools. And, call me crazy, but I believe it would impact not only our country, but the world we live in.
Love begins with you and me.
I believe we could start what we wish to see happen. A world where loving God and loving others is a reality. With one small act of love, and then another, and another. Day in and day out. Loving as if our lives depended on it. (Because really, it kinda does.)
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. 1 Peter 4:8 MSG
I invite you to join the conversation below. What are some ways you and I can show our love by the things we do? How can we practically live a life of love? How can you and I talk about it less and love more? Share your thoughts below, and I’ll compile them into one post and share it later this week.
Sure, talking about love is good. But, I pray we live it, show it, pursue it, and be known for it.
Blessings!
Julie
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Sometimes love has to be ready to say, “This is really, really stupid.”
Someone died in Charlottesville over an old statue whose presence will not bring back the Confederacy, and whose removal will do nothing to assuage the anger of those who hold their rage close to their hearts.
It was all about yelling and posturing on both sides, and it was nothing else but a waste.
We could use a lot more love in this world. Yes, it’s sad what is going on around the world as people clash with one another. I pray I respond and act in ways that demonstrate Jesus’ love. Hope you’re having a decent day and enjoying simple things, Andrew. Praying for you.
Using good manners, having patience, and trying to put others first would help us start in the right direction. Teaching those thing to my students changed the atmosphere in my classroom, so maybe they could have an effect out in daily life.
Thanks for these, Cindy. As you’ve watched these actions change your classroom, I too believe they could change the world. I appreciate you adding them here! Have a blessed day, friend!