During my recent hospital stay I saw love in action … just as John commanded. “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” [1John 3:8 NLT]
That love flowed toward me from all types of people. No one asked me my political affiliation, my religion, or my “gender identity.” They just cared for me … love in action.
Love in action … love shown in the truth of our actions … is not a “qualified” or “conditional” action. We don’t question or survey someone first before showing our love. And Jesus said we were to not just love those like us; we were also to love and pray for those who set themselves against us.
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:43-45 NLT]
Love … agapaó … to love wholeheartedly, unconditionally, with devotion. This type of love that the Scriptures command isn’t even a feeling. It is a determination of the mind. This love is what is commanded of us.
Let us show our love by our actions!