Actions Speak Louder than Words!
Dear children, let us love not only with word or with our tongue, but also in action and truth. (1 John 3:18)
In an online search, the familiar adage “actions speak louder than words” is attributed to Abraham Lincoln. The same search pointed out that psychologists often say that the statement is untrue because words are actions. I agree that it often takes someone with “supposed” superior intelligence to miss the point.
In today’s verse, the Apostle John gives us sound advice. The point of the adage isn’t whether words are actions or not. The point is that yes should be yes. Not only in words but supported by other actions.
Recall the story of Jesus when he healed the paralyzed man. He first forgave him. Jesus’ opponents were thinking to themselves that Jesus didn’t have the power to do that. To prove Jesus had that power, he told the paralyzed man to get up and take his stretcher home. (Read the full story in Luke 5:17-26.) Jesus literally backed up his words with his actions.
John encourages us to follow Jesus’ example and to live in the assurance that Jesus’ word gives. Jesus paid the total price for us, that word also empowers us to put his words into action. John encourages us to not only make the right confession with our mouths but reflect our faith in what we do.
Our society is getting more and more like the world was in John’s day. With Christians becoming more of a minority, it is vitally important that we not only give Jesus “lip praise,” but also put our words into physical action. How do you back up what you say?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your being our Savior and demonstrating what love is. Enable us to reflect your love in everything we say and do. Amen.