“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, there is lots of talk of love. People are deciding what they will get the ones they love. Advertisements are telling people what they need to do or get to show their love.

Telling a person that you love him is easy to do. Getting things for that person is also easy to do. It usually does not take too much thought or effort to do either of these things.

This is the world’s way of showing love to a person. It is a very superficial love. There is no sacrifice, and very little meaning behind the words or gifts.

John tells believers to not use words or speech, but to use actions and truth. Telling a person that you love him is easy, but taking time to listen to all of his concerns is more difficult, and taking time and effort to help meet those needs can be a challenge.

God did not just say that He loved us, He sent Jesus to this earth. Jesus did not just say that He love you, He died on the cross for you. He paid the price for your sins. He took care of your greatest need. It was with action, not just words.

Words have their place, but they need to be accompanied with action and truth. True words of love will come from the heart and have actions following.

The world likes to love with words only. Think of how many actors or singers say they “love” their fans. Yet, they do not want to get their hands dirty with your needs. They do not want to be inconvenienced. They do not take the time to really get to know you. These are all things that God has done for you, and He is greater than any person in this world.

Find ways to show your love as you tell someone you love them. Seek to meet their needs and really love them in truth.

I pray today that God will reveal His love for you; that God will fill you with His love for other people; that God will show you ways to show your love to others; and that you will love people in truth.

Tom Arn has ministered in many facets of the church, from children’s pastor, senior pastor, and currently as a Sunday School Teacher. He has General Ministries Degree. He began with short devotional Bible studies on his blog, Insights From Tom in 2014. He travels through each book of the Bible, chapter-by-chapter and section-by-section, writing what God places on his heart at the time.

Tom is happily married for 31 years to his wonderful wife Cammie. Together they share with everyone how God has blessed them with eight children and one precious grandchild. He desires that God may richly bless you, and make you more like Jesus everyday, drawing you closer to Him.

Featured Image by James Chan from Pixabay