So, if love is action, what does love in action look like? Below are 14 ways - straight from Scripture - you can actively show love to the people you love.
1. Help them out of a tight spot - When Jesus attended a wedding with His mother, she asked Him to help the hosts when they ran out of wine. We may not be able to miraculously solve a problem, but God has gifted us in other ways to help. (John 2:1-11)
2. Get them help when you can't help them - A paralyzed man received healing from Jesus because his friends dropped him through a roof at Jesus' feet. They were willing to do whatever it took it to get help for their friend! (Mark 2:1-12)
3. Pray for them - The Bible is full of people praying for the ones they love. The church prayed for Peter in jail (Acts 12:5). Jesus prayed for the disciples (John 17:6-19). Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers (Ephesians 1:15-23).
4. Rebuke them when needed - Sometimes the best way we can love someone is by graciously confronting their sinful, destructive behavior (Proverbs 27:6, Matthew 18:15-17).
5. Freely forgive offenses - Jesus eliminated the limit on forgiveness when Peter asked how many times he should forgive (Matthew 18:21-22). Some hurts seem unforgivable, but with God's help it's possible to "promote love" through forgiveness (Proverbs 17:9).
6. Humbly serve them - Jesus set the example (John 13:1-17). He calls us – His followers - to also humbly and graciously serve others (Gal 5:13).
7. Meet their physical needs - Scripture is clear. If we see a brother in need, have the means to help but don't, our love for God should be questioned (1 John 3:17).
8. Rejoice and mourn with them - We show deep care for others when their hurts and joys are also ours. Don't hold back. Let the tears and the cheers flow! (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).
9. Show kindness to someone they love - King David expressed his deep bond of friendship for Jonathan by caring for Jonathan's crippled son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13).
10. Intercede with others on their behalf - Could your influence help a loved one? Barnabas smoothed the way for Paul with the Jerusalem church leaders (Acts 9:27-30). Paul wrote to Philemon appealing for Onesimus the runaway slave (Philemon 8-11).
11. Help two loved ones work out their differences - Does strife exist between two people you love? Be a mediator and help them mend their relationship. Paul asked the believers in Philippi to help two women in their church who were at odds (Philippians 4:2-3).
12. Introduce them to Jesus - Does a loved one desperately need to know Jesus? Share the Good News! Andrew introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:35-42).
13. Encourage and disciple them in their relationship with Christ - The author of Hebrews tells us to "spur one another on to good works" and "encourage one another" daily (Hebrews 10:24-25).
14. "Lay down your life!" - Seems pretty drastic, but that's exactly how Jesus showed His love for us (John 15:12-13). The basic principle has much broader application than actual physical death. Jesus calls us to unselfishly seek put others ahead of ourselves.
Wow! Buying a card and a box of chocolates is a lot easier. But Hallmark and Hershey don't say love like real love in action. Show somebody you love them today!
No comments:
Post a Comment