It's Not What We Say, It's What We Do

It’s What We Do

Our scripture verses for Today's Devotional are taken from 1 John 3:18 and James 2:14-26. True love should reveal itself with practical acts of kindness. It’s very difficult to convince our unsaved loved ones or those we encounter in the workplace that Jesus is real unless we are willing to stretch out a hand of compassion, extending God’s love in a tangible way.

1 John 3:18 AMP

Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words].

James 2:14-26 NKJV

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

In today’s fast paced world, it can be tempting to let our schedules dictate our availability. While planning our day is a great way to check off our “to do” list, it can also be a sure way to eliminate opportunities for random acts of love. When it comes to divine appointments, God rarely asks us to check our calendar before deciding whether, or not, we will respond. He often reveals opportunities as we go about our busy day.

In these scriptures, we are challenged to put our faith into action, to let our love be revealed by what we do rather than what we say.

The Christian life requires so much “more than words.” In fact, the scriptures tell us that faith without works is dead. In other words, if we say we have faith – if we say we are Christians – we should be “doing” those things that testify of what we believe.

Our faith in action can be as simple as stopping to listen to a troubled soul. Maybe, God is asking us to get involved in a person’s life. Perhaps The Holy Spirit is prompting us to give to a certain ministry. Whatever the nudge, know that the Kingdom of God is alive and well when God’s people are quick to hear and diligent in responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, help me to be quick to notice Kingdom opportunities in my everyday life. Make my demeanor peaceful – not anxious, selfish or uncaring toward those who are in need of acts of kindness. Lord, empower me by your precious Holy Spirit to be the hands and feet of Jesus in practical ways.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

ABOUT DEBORAH ROSS:

Deborah Ross is the president of The Woman2Woman Ministry. Her weekly TV show called Choose Life is Empowering You to Live in the Blessing! Deborah’s books include: Healing a Broken Marriage (Charisma) and Woman2Woman: The Naomi and Ruth Experience (Xulon). A seasoned media professional, inspirational speaker, author and evangelist, Deborah’s messages are helping others navigate their way to victory in their everyday life. Impactful, straight forward, motivating and captivating.

Find out more at DeborahRossMinistries.org and DeborahRoss.tv