Actions Speak Louder Than Words
By Melissa Paredes, Associate Director of Education Programs
Post date: Aug. 19, 2019
One of the primary ways I receive love — and how I often choose to give love to others — is through words of affirmation. Whether it’s a word of encouragement or a sweet note from a loved one, I thrive on thoughtful words. They fill my “love tank” so that I can continue to pour out love to those around me as well.
I thought that was all I needed. But it wasn’t until a few years into my marriage that I started to realize that words in and of themselves aren’t always enough. Although my husband learned to “speak” my love language, I realized I also needed his words to be followed by actions. When his actions reinforced his words, I felt most loved by him. There’s truth in the cliché: “Actions speak louder than words.”
It’s the same in our relationship with God. I can say that I love God. I can say that I love people. But do my actions reinforce those words? Am I living in such a way that my actions declare my love for God without a single word needing to be said?
John 13:35 says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (NLT).
Read that again: “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (emphasis mine).
The action of loving is what gives truth and validity to the words we say. As we align our actions with our words in loving others we become the hands and feet of Jesus. This is our biblical call: “Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18, NLT).
How are you living out the call?
Questions for Reflection:
Think about a time in your life where someone’s words weren’t followed up by action. How did it make you feel?
How can you specifically and intentionally act with love toward others today?
Identify an area of your life where your words need to be followed up with action. What steps can you take to do this?
Don’t forget to learn more about what it looks like to love God and people in August’s devotional!
Para leer el devocional en español oprima aquí.