Love Requires Action

You have an important assignment… if you choose to accept it. You are to be an ambassador, a representative of God’s love … at home, school, work, everywhere.

Love God, love your neighbor.

The Great Command

We were given the Great Command in response to a question from one of the “so called” experts of the law. This expert stood up among the crowd and asked a tricky question. “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” The answer: Love God, love your neighbor.

After hearing this, the expert did a strange thing. He said to Jesus, “You have answered correctly.” Really, he was grading the Son of God’s answer (just like in school). Then, to emphasize the truth of this answer, the expert added, “These two commandments are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Wow!

Love God and love our neighbor. We must live this out with words, but also with our actions. Love requires action. To make it clear, Jesus gave examples of the actions he expected. In a parable about sheep and goats, he gave a list.  We should feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, provide clothing to the needy, look after the sick, and visit those in prison. That would be quite a day.

Finding Evidence

So, I have one question: Would others know you follow Jesus if they spent the day with you? Reflect on that a moment. Feeding the hungry and visiting prison are example, but there are others. What examples can you provide? Would your words… and actions be the evidence needed?

Today, my hope is to offer examples of things you can do, evidence to show you are a followers of Jesus. My examples are just a starting point. The goal is for us to grow together in the love of God. 

Let’s start with evidence that is God-centered and not me-centered. Did I spend time helping others? I took a dinner to an elderly woman, who is homebound. Yes, that is evidence. I collected used furniture donated to help less-fortunate families. More evidence.

Love Produces Kindness

With my actions, I should extend kindness to those around me. There are many needs that I can meet. I can help with groceries, mow a lawn, take out trash, shovel snow, and more.

I must also provide kindness to people who don’t deserve it: opening a door, using polite language, and being patient.  When we lend money… or even a pencil, we should not expect to be repaid. Jesus said, “Even the most wicked will lend to their own kind for full return!” (Luke 6:34, TLB).

Loving requires action. Yes, we are ambassadors, the hands and feet of Jesus. Our actions should reflect his love as we live out this day. This is the assignment and I choose to accept it.

“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than theses”

Mark 12:30-31

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see The World Needs Kindness!