Words and Actions

 As we continue our studies in the teaching and commands of Jesus, we look throughout the book of Matthew, and see Jesus, our example, and how he treated people. He loved them in "words and actions," as John said in I. John 3:

1 John 3:11-19 NIV

[11] For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. [12] Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. [13] Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. [14] We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. [15] Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 

[17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 

[18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

 [19] This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 

Notice verse 16 and verse 18 above.

Since Jesus laid down His life for us, we are to lay down our lives in service to others. In verse 18 it says, to be just like Jesus, we are to help with our words and our actions. 

The world, the Church, everyone we encounter will have a need if we listen for it. Just like Jesus, listen and be available for whoever, whenever with your words, actions, resources, and whatever else you can offer. This shows the love of God that was poured into our spirit by the Holy Spirit when we were born again.

Be available in the world around you. Love first in words or actions, and that will open the door to tell them about Jesus Christ. So they can be saved too. That's our goal, our purpose. God working through us, drawing people to Himself so they can be saved too. Love you all.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post