Love in Deed and in Truth

- It's easy (for most people, anyway) to say, "I love you." You know the saying, "Talk is cheap." We need to prove our love by our actions. Speaking kind and loving words is good and important but do you also act kindly and lovingly? Love is more than words and feelings. Love performs, not just professes. True love (agape) is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial love expressed in deed and in truth. It's shown in giving, helping, serving, forgiving, praying, protecting, bearing one another's burdens, etc. To lay down our lives for others (verse 16) and to share material possessions with those in need (verse 17) are examples of putting agape in action. Love is an action verb. Let us love with the love of the Lord!

- Love in truth. Love "does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). Love and truth always go together. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15a). "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22) Since we are children of the God who is Light (Truth) and Love, His light (Truth) and love should govern our attitudes, speech, and conduct. If you truly love others, you will lead them to the Truth (Jesus). Never sacrifice God's truth on the altar of "love". The opposite of truth is lie/falsehood/deception and that's not love at all.