The Beloved: actions and truth
“Let’s get together soon!” How many times have you heard that statement (or maybe even said it yourself!), and not actually met up with that person? Humans have great potential to build connections and deepen relationships with each other. But often, life gets in the way. We make a promise to deepen a relationship, but we fail to follow through.
The words we speak only have meaning if they’re backed up with action and truth. For example, I might say, “I am very sporty.” But if I never work out or eat healthy, then my words are not backed up with actions and truth.
As we continue our series on the Beloved disciple in 1 John 3, John encourages his readers to make sure what they do what they say, particularly in the way we love. In verse 18 John said, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth.”
Let’s be clear: John does not forbid us from saying, “I love you.” Instead he means that those words should be fortified with acts that justify their meaning. According to the bible, love is the act of putting others before yourself—serving their interests and well-being. So how might we as followers of Jesus love with more than words?
To begin with, John encouraged his readers in verse 23 to put their love into action, “And this is his command… to love one another as he commanded us.” In this verse John recalled the words Jesus told him just before his death, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” (John 13:34).
Jesus proved his love by action. He healed the sick. He cared for the poor. He proclaimed good news. He wept with those who wept. He washed his disciples feet. Ultimately, Jesus proved his love for us when we died on the cross for our sins. He put us before himself—dying in our place so that we might be forgiven of our sins and restored to God. Just as Jesus proved his love with action, as followers of him we should love with action too!
This means going above and beyond to care for those around us. For example, when a friend is struggling, instead of saying, “I’ll pray for you,” pray for the person then and there. When you see your housemate cooking in the kitchen, go in and help them. When your child needs reassurance, give them a big hug as you say, “I love you.”
While action proves the quality of our love, truth reveals the source of our love. Back in 1 John 3:23, John wrote, “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”
Understanding love in its deepest sense is understanding love in Jesus. He created us, died for us, and offers us love that is greater than our faults and failures. It’s true, you can love others without believing in Jesus. But to love in the deepest sense, putting others before yourself, that love must come from a source greater than you. That love comes only from Jesus.
In conclusion, how true is your love? Do you back up your love with actions? Is your love sourced in Jesus, the creator and giver of love? We’d love to talk more with you about a relationship with Jesus, and how you can obey Jesus’ command. Connect with us and learn more.
