Love is a verb, not a noun

This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. (verses 16-18)

Read 1 John 3:11-18

She said she loved him, but she tired of him and went her own way in search of a more exciting life. I say, ‘I love my friend’, but I don’t defend him when someone says something unkind about him.

They had been married fifty years. He had never told her he loved her in so many words, but when she became ill he lovingly cared for her. Even when she no longer recognised him and needed specialised care, he visited her every day, feeding her and holding her hand.

Love is a verb not a noun. Love isn’t genuine unless it’s shown in what we do. Love is action. It’s a verb, a ‘doing’ word.

This means that if we say we love God we have to do something as well. To demonstrate love for God is to demonstrate love for others. Actions speak louder than words. Ask God to help you define the true meaning of love by what you do for others.

Dear Jesus, I love you. Please help me to show this love in what I do for others. Amen.

By Grace Bock, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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