Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. ~ I John 3:17-18
Love cannot remain by itself - it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service. ~ Mother Teresa
Have you ever had someone tell you that they loved you but the words felt hollow? Like, they were just saying them, but didn't necessarily mean them?
I love words as much as the next person - I was an English major and spend a good bulk of my vocation writing down words.
But sometimes - many times - words aren't enough.
Love is about relationship and relationship builds through acts of love more than through words of love.
And so love of the poor - true compassionate love - comes from showing and doing more than it comes from saying.
It seems pretty simple when you read it, doesn't it? I mean, the words seem fairly clear.
But the actions are often so much more difficult.
Yet the rewards are great. Not simply for the person who receives the act of love, but for the giver as well.
Questions for thought: What is the easiest way you've found to show love in action? What is the most difficult?
Pray: Ask God to move you to one new act of service this week.
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