Show Me

There’s a common phrase that says, “actions speak louder than words”. Throughout my life I’ve learned that this is a very true statement. Missouri is where I grew up, and whenever I would tell someone I was from Missouri, they would say “oh you’re from the “show me” state”. My response would be “yes, you can show me better than you can tell me”. This statement proves to be very true in relationships. Often people in abusive relationships will hear the words “I love you”, but yet find themselves continually physically and/or mentally abused. A person who is known for not being truthful, has to demonstrate that they are able to be trusted. Their word is no longer good enough. The same is true, even in our relationship with God.

If you love Me,keep My commandments. | John 14:15 NKJV

In John 14:15, Jesus says that the way we show our love for him is by keeping his commandments. It’s not enough to just say I love God. True love for God is demonstrated by our obedience. Today on the Rise & Shine Devotional our topic was Demonstrate Your Love. The author encouraged demonstrating love to those who we may not believe deserved it, especially those closest to us, and gave four ways that we can demonstrate our love:

1. Patience: There are going to be times where we need to employ patience. Whether it’s with our children, our elderly parents, that coworker that’s not pulling their weight, or even our spouse. Whatever the situation, we can demonstrate our love by being patient. After all, 1 Corinthians 13:4 says “love is patient”. Who do you need to show some patience?

2. Thoughtfulness: Did you know that just the simple act of thoughtfulness could demonstrate love? Sometimes we get so caught up in what we want or need that we don’t consider those closest to us. It’s important to remember that love is not selfish. Whether you’re fixing a meal, going to the grocery store, or even keeping the grandchildren for a few days, is a way to be thoughtful and demonstrate love. Who would appreciate your thoughtfulness?

3. Warmth: Proverbs 15:1 says that a soft answer turns away wrath. Sometimes just changing your tone of voice is all it takes to demonstrate love. Constant yelling, screaming, and cursing people out, is not demonstrating warmth. However, when you choose words that our kind and uplifting, love is shown. This is what being kind to one another looks like (Ephesians 4:32). Who do you need to be kind to today?

4. Prayer: Praying for someone is one of the greatest ways you can demonstrate your love. James 5:16 says that the “fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”. Standing in the gap for someone is prayer brings about much healing, deliverance, peace, joy, etc. Who can you pray for today?

Love is definitely an action word. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son (John 3:16). This is our benchmark. God didn’t just say He loved us, He showed us His love by giving His best for us, Jesus. Your challenge this week is to demonstrate love to those closest to you. Too often we take our spouse, children and family members for granted. We’re quick to demonstrate patience, thoughtfulness, warmth and prayer to our church family, friends and even coworkers, but we must remember that those closest to us need to experience our love for them too. Until next week….

Be blessed, but first comes obedience!

Rev. Robin