As Christians we are called to live a life of love. (1 John 4:7) All our actions and words are supposed to reflect the love that has been poured out into our hearts by our heavenly Father.
But the truth is, living a life of love isn’t as simple as saying I love you to someone. Love requires action. John himself tells us that we are not to love in word alone. So in order to live a life of love, you need to show your love not just tell it.
Show Don’t Tell
My little children, let us not love in word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18 (NKJV)
The phrase it’s easier said than done is very true, especially when it comes to love.
It is easier to simply tell someone that you love them. To tell them that they are cared for and precious. But actually showing how you love them is something that some people aren’t good at.
But if we truly want to live lives filled with love and to let other know they are loved, we have to do something about it. We have to love not with our words and tongues, but with our actions (deeds). We must show our love. This is what God Himself did for us.
God showed His love for us by giving up His only Son so that we could have everlasting life. (John 3:16) God didn’t just sit on His throne and yell from Heaven “My children, I love you,” then leave it at that. No. He acted on His love.
God Acted on His Love
Throughout the history of the Bible we see the ways in which God shows and acts on the love He says He has for us.
God loved Adam and Eve enough to clothe them from their shame after the sin they had committed. (Genesis 3:21) He loved Abraham and blessed him with many children. (Genesis 15:5) The Lord loved the nation of Israel and brought them out of bondage. (Deuteronomy 7:8) He loved Jesus and put His enemies beneath His feet. He loves us and has given us abundant life and healing. (John 10:10; Isaiah 53:5)
If the Creator Himself acted on His love, who are we to do any less?
So with this new understanding of love the next step is actually going out and acting on your love. But how does one do that?
Love is Giving
To find the formula for living a life of love we can look to God again.
God is very generous. He gives of His grace and love and blessings freely and openly. (Ephesians 3:20) And we are told in the word that He loves those who give cheerfully. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
So if you are to live a life in which you are acting on your love and not just speaking about it, you must learn to give.
Give of Your Materials
We live in a world that is full of people in need. People are in need of material things such as money, food, clothing and some are even in need of homes.
As a Christian you show your love by providing for their needs.
If you have money to give, ask the Lord to direct you to people who are in need of it or organisations that help people who are. Or if you’re a good cook use your skills to provide a good meal for someone who is going hungry. Make, give or buy clothes for those who do not have.
But all this giving need not only be directed to those who are less fortunate. You can also show your love by meeting the needs of your family and friends.
Give of Yourself
But showing your love does not need to end at giving material things. You can live a life of love by also giving of yourself. Give of your time, your attention. Offer someone a smile or an encouraging word. Use your talents, whatever they may be, to bless someone.
Are you a good flower arranger? Why not make someone a bouquet of flowers for a friend. Are you a gifted seamstress? Bless someone you love by creating them something special.
These are just some of the ways that you can make people feel loved.
Live a Life of Love
To be a Disciple of Christ and a son or daughter of God, you must live a life of love. God is love (1 John 4:8) and those who truly know God will know love and give love.
If you want to live a life in sincerity and truth act on the words you say. Act on the love you claim to have. Only then can you set yourself apart from those who are of the world. And only then can you begin to show the world a love that is real and true.
