In Deed and In Truth

1 John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

When it comes to doing good, words cost us nothing. Giving someone a word of encouragement does not cost us a thing. After a kind word, we are not lacking anything. Indeed, we most likely have profited from the exchange for now we ourselves feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness knowing we have benefited someone else.

We know that John is not telling us to never speak in an edifying manner to our fellow man. Rather he is telling us to never let our love stop with words. But let those words spur us on to tangible action.

Love in a tangible form will, no doubt, cost a bit more of ourselves or our resources. This should not scare us off, but rather inspire us. For we know that all we have comes from the Source of all that is good. He has promised to provide for our needs, just as He does for the birds and the lilies.

With all of this in mind, how freely do I give? Does my love stop with kind words? Or do I let God's generosity move me on to loving in deed?