Actions and words – which is louder?
by Jo Corney
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And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us (1 John 3:23).
Read 1 John 3:18–4:6
This reading continues from our devotional passage yesterday. We continue our awareness of John writing to his audience with tender direction and counsel. We see four times the audience addressed as ‘dear’ in this passage. I am glad to have my attention focused again on the caring way these instructions are given, as it couches the teaching in a way that cuts through my potential reactions to the text – reactions like ‘this is too hard’. It’s offered to me in a way I can be open to. Perhaps it is similar for you.
In our devotional passages, we see the interconnection of experience, action, belief and obedience. This Scripture reminds me of what enables these – God’s deep love for me, that I rest in and act in accordance with that love, and that as I believe Jesus is the Son of God, who died for me to save me from my sins, I have a restored relationship with God for always. For my good and the good I can offer others, I am also reminded of the commands of Christ and my opportunity to be obedient to these. Perhaps the Scripture calls to you in a similar way.
Today’s reading commands us to love one another. Yesterday’s reading showed us how we love each other in ‘truth and action’. These combined show that we give something we have while paying attention to how it is given, and it has been given in response to a need. I am pondering what my resources really are for what I can give someone in need – material and otherwise. Perhaps you will also find yourself curious about this.
I think I’m starting to glimpse that in seeing the needs of others and offering action to assist, I am not only a giver but a recipient – blessed in giving, encouraged in faith and participating in the world around me. In so being and doing, it’s possible that I, too, may find my needs seen and be blessed by others – something just done, on point, with few or no words. It seems like this approach offers a safe and sincere connection – it feels like God’s love in action to me and by me.
How humbling to be part of God’s care for others and possibly be cared for in the mix, too. I am grateful to be reminded: ‘And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us’ (verse 23).
Every blessing to you on this day.
Gracious and loving God, your plans are perfect and for our good. Please grow and preserve us in our faith by knowing you at work in our lives and world through our opportunities to offer to others from our resources and to receive the blessings of help from others in our need. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Jo is a wife and mum who serves in various roles in her local Lutheran church community and as a chaplain within Lutheran Services.
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