Put Jesus’ love into action

1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. John encouraged his readers, his little children, to put love into action. The gnostics, who believed that salvation came through the knowledge of spiritual truth, didn’t believe their deeds were of any significance because their deeds were done in the body, which in their minds, was of the material world and therefore evil. In stark contrast, the true children of God, in whom the Son of God dwelled, are known by their deeds done in the body. When John used the word “truth” he was referring to reality. So as Jesus loves through us, it will be more than just words, loving deeds flow out of the reality of the living, indwelling Son of God. John had just mentioned that the love of God is revealed through believers laying down their lives in this world and meeting one another’s needs through His supply. God is glorified as we express His love in tangible, real generosity and hospitality. God’s love is illustrated in His word to His people through Isaiah in Isaiah 43:4-5 “Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you.” Yes, God spoke to them in words, “I love you,” but they needed Him to be with them and help them. So God didn’t just love them in words, he loved in deed and in truth. He came to be with them and manifest His presence and power. When we put action with our words, the words have meaning and testify to the reality of the truth that Jesus lives in us. Today, as God puts people in our paths, may we be filled with the grace of Jesus Christ to put His love into action to meet the needs of others out of His abundance and riches.