In Deed and in Truth

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

KJV

 
 

I was impressed as I read this verse this morning. How often do we love in word and in tongue but not in deed and in truth. We may meet someone that we look down on and we can say nice things to them. We act cordial, but then we talk them down behind their back. Is that really loving in deed and in truth. I know that I need God's help in this area. I want to truly have God's love flow out of my life and into the lives of others. I want people to be able to tell that I love them unconditionally no matter where they've been or what type of life they've lived. I want to learn to truly care about people no matter how disgusting their life has been. I want to freely associate with people who want help even if it tarnishes my reputation. Jesus did! He ate with publicans and sinners even though the Pharisees looked down on Him for it. Surely I am not more important than my Master.

 
 

Lord, help me as I reach toward my goal of loving everyone as You do. Help me to look past the disgusting sin and all the trouble that people have gotten themselves into and see a needy soul that is trapped in sin. Help me not to be repelled by the fact that they've gotten themselves into this mess. Help me to remember that it is only by Your grace and no merit of my own that I am not in that same situation. Help me to truly have a heart of compassion for those who are less blessed than I am. Help me to willingly give of myself for the service of the kingdom and to help other people find their way in life. Lord, give me the heart of Jesus. Help me to be willing to sacrifice. Help me to get my priorities right and to remember what truly will matter in eternity: not the number of dollars that I have earned, but the souls that I have helped influence for the right.