T H E O P H I L U S

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

– 1 John 3:18

Some of us today may be celebrating Valentines Day. Some of us may feel that we have no reason to because we may not have a significant other in our lives at this point in time. But love is not something that we simply celebrate once a year. Neither is it something that should be selective in nature depending upon the occasion. Love is to be celebrated everyday, because God is love (1 Jn 4:8). But how do we love the people whom we don’t want to love? How do we love the people we have a hard time knowing how to love?

Words can be empty without action. Because God could not communicate to us enough his love for us, he showed it to us in the ultimate of action for you and I. He died on the cross for us and paid the debt that we could not pay.

It says in 1 John 3:18 that we ought to love with our actions and in truth. If you cannot confess with your mouth that you love that person – either because you are too angry at them, too shy, or too hurt, then begin by doing something for them.

Remember today, that Love is an Action. It is not just simply what you say, but genuine action that derives from how you feel.

Today, begin with a little sacrifice, begin with an action, and do it with sincerity. Serve them. It is sometimes easier to do than actually to say it. If you have only hurt and hatred in your heart for them, then learn to love them by acting in love. It may hurt to say it, but may be simpler to do something instead.

But remember, expect nothing in return. That is unconditional love. If they do not see the love behind it, do not be disheartened. To love someone truly is to love with no condition, whether it is received or reciprocated, or not at all. God is the one who changes those who hate us.