Love Is Something That We Do!
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn Galations 5:6, the inspired penman, Paul wrote: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love” (ASV).
The above text teaches us that to “work through love” is to work from a principle of love. If we love God, we seek to please Him and to do His will (Matthew 7:21; 1 John 3:22). Our faith in God motivates us to love God because He “first” loved us (1 John 4:19). Our love for our fellow man motivates us to do good to our fellow man as well as to our fellow Christians (Gal. 6:10).
I confess to being the kind of person who listened to country music when “country wasn’t cool.” Some of the lyrical content is terrible, but some of it preaches truth to people who won’t listen to preachers. A case in point is Clint Black’s song, “Love is Something That We Do.” In the song Clint makes the point that love is not just something that we feel; it’s something that we do. I couldn’t agree more. We as Christians should be desirous of “doing” something in the Lord’s kingdom to demonstrate our love for Him (James 1:22-25). The following suggestions are provided:
1) Seek out and teach someone – We must find them – they will not always come to us (Matthew 22:9-10).
2) Make a real effort to help some fallen brother or sister back to Christ (James 5:19-20).
3) Visit the lonely and alone – Knowing that someone “cares” lifts and encourages spirits! Try it out today! (2 Timothy 1:16-18).
4) Visit the sick and offer help – It is a mockery to pray for the sick while neglecting them (Matthew 25:43).
5) Show hospitality to strangers – Greet them, show courtesy and invite them to worship with us. Remember, they need to “see” God’s love in you! (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 13:2).
6) Help the needy – Real love, not great ability, is needed to furnish food for the hungry (James 2:14-17).
7) Write a note or call someone who needs encouragement – It may be someone who is in great difficulty or in deep sorrow (Job 4:3-4; Isaiah 35:3; Hebrews 12:12).
8) Pray for others – The earnest petition of the righteous is powerful in the sight of God (Numbers 11:2; James 5:16).
The closing lyrics of Clint Black’s song should reflect our attitude of desiring to “do” something in the Lord’s kingdom:
“There’s no request too big or small,
We give ourselves, we give our all.
Love isn’t someplace that we fall:
It’s something that we do.”
There is much to “do” in the kingdom of God. Don’t sit by and “wait” for an assignment (Matthew 20:1-16).
Remember……
Love Is Something That We Do!