Walking the Talk: Beyond Words to Action
The soulful tune of "More than Words" by Extreme has been lingering in the backdrop of my mind of late, seemingly echoing sentiments of a love that seek deeper expression. Because God often speaks to me through music, I was wondering what this particular song could be saying as it ran through my mind repeatedly the other day. The thought occurred to me that, as Christians, we are called to love not just with our words but with our actions—living out the truth of our beliefs in tangible ways. In this way we not only show our love for one another, but for the God that created us.
The question posed in the song, "What would you do, if my heart was torn in two? More than words to show you feel, that your love for me is real," prompted a reflection on the authenticity of my love for God. It compelled me to assess the authenticity of my devotion and the sincerity of my faith. It was as if God was asking me to reflect on whether my love for Him transcends mere lip service and extends into the realm of tangible actions and heartfelt devotion.
In this context, the line "More than words to show you feel, that your love for me is real" underscores the notion that true love for God necessitates more than superficial declarations or rituals. It calls for a genuine commitment to living out one's faith, embodying its principles, and actively serving others in love and compassion.
In the book of James, we find a poignant reminder of the need for actions to accompany our faith. James 2:14-17 (NIV) states:"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
These words pierce through the veneer of mere lip service, challenging us to examine the substance of our love for God and for others. It's easy to speak of love, to recite verses, and to offer prayers, but what happens when those words are stripped away, and only our actions remain?
Imagine a world where our love for God is not just a proclamation but a demonstration—a life poured out in service, compassion, and grace. Instead of simply saying, "I love You, Lord," we would show our love by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and caring for the marginalized.
The Gospel of Matthew further illuminates this call to action in Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV):
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
This scripture embodies the essence of living out our faith. It speaks of a love that is not content with mere words but reaches out with hands that heal, lips that speak hope, and hearts that overflow with compassion.
So, what would we do if we had to show our love and not just say empty words? We would be the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world, embodying love in action. We would be a living testament to the transformative power of faith, bringing light to dark places and hope to the weary.
Let us heed the wisdom of James and the call of Christ Himself, remembering that true love is not just spoken but lived out daily. May our lives be a resounding echo of "More than Words," a symphony of love that resounds with the truth of our faith.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
Let us go forth, not just with words, but with love that speaks volumes through our actions.