Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Scripture:

John 14:15   “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Observation:

Jesus was talking to his disciples and explaining to them that he would be leaving and going to the Father. The Advocate — or the Holy Spirit would be sent to them. Their lives in Christ would be evidenced by their actions, not just their words. The love of God is revealed in Jesus’ love for the Father and that he would send the Holy Spirit to his disciples. The disciples would be empowered to follow the commandments because the love of God would indwell through the Holy Spirit.

Application:

When you love someone, you act like it! My husband has been showing me the most incredible acts of love lately through all that he has done for me. We are in the midst of moving into a house on the campus of the Seminary. We have been living in a small one-bedroom apartment on campus for a year and a half. The window of opportunity to move happened when I had no free time. I’ve been tied up in meetings for the last couple of weeks from early morning until late at night — and yet, my husband has been working hard, moving all by himself to get us settled. He loves me and has been doing more for me than I could have ever imagined — unpacking dishes and setting up furniture and hanging my clothes in the closet. He’s been grocery shopping, and getting the car cared for and going to the bank. Then, when I finally come home he’ll go on a long walk with me and listen and chat as we talk about where God is leading in our lives.

If you truly love Jesus — you’ll keep his commands for this will come out of your heart to please him. John Chrysostom in the 4th century put it his way:

At all times it is works and actions that we need, not a mere show of words. It is easy for anyone to say or promise something, but it is not so easy to act on that word or promise. . . . “If you love me,” Christ said, “keep my commandments.” . . . I have commanded you to love one another and to do to one another as I have done to you. To love me is to obey these commands and to submit to me, your beloved. (Homilies on the Gospel of John 75.1)

If we are not submitting to Jesus today then I would question whether he is truly your beloved! Seek him — get to know him — fall in love with him — and allow his love to transform the way in which you live each and every single day! Then your actions will speak louder than your words.

Prayer:

Lord, may your love be revealed in my actions today.  Amen.


Thank you to Nazarene Publishing House and Keri Mitchell for helping to create and publish Reflecting the Image. This is not a devotional book, but rather a collection of thoughts and stories which lead us in the direction of reflecting Christ. Click on the image to take you to the NPH bookstore.The book is also available in Kindle format on Amazon.com.