When it comes to love, are you more of a hearer or a doer? Do you use your words and speech to build up or tear down? Words have power! Will you choose to be a doer who puts action in truth behind what you love and believe? Let’s be the dads who choose to live with actions based in the truth rather than just words we just say to model and demonstrate how much we love!
To love with actions and in truth:
That is a profound question. To love with actions and in truth means to show genuine care and compassion for others, not just by saying nice words, but by doing good deeds that demonstrate our love. It also means to be honest and faithful in our relationships, not deceiving or betraying anyone. This kind of love is inspired by God, who loved us first and gave his Son for us1. It is also the commandment that Jesus gave us, to love one another as he loved us2. When we love with actions and in truth, we please God and reflect his character to the world. 🙏
1: Love with Actions, Not Just with Words – 1 John 3:18 2: 1 John 3:18-24 NIV – Dear children, let us not love with – Bible Gateway
answer to the meaning of loving with actions and in truth from chat.bing.com
To love with words or speech:
To love with words or speech means to express our feelings and thoughts verbally, to praise and encourage others, to share our joys and sorrows, to communicate honestly and respectfully, and to listen attentively and empathetically. Words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or hurt, to comfort or distress. Therefore, we should use our words wisely and kindly, and not say anything that we do not mean or that would harm others. As the Bible says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”1
1: Proverbs 18:21 NIV – The tongue has the power of life and – Bible Gateway
answer to the meaning of loving with words and speech from chat.bing.com
So as you get ready for today, let’s be the dads who choose our words wisely, watch what and how we say them and yet choose our actions in truth!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
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].
1 John 3:18 AMP
Moreover, let’s be the dads who come to God with the heart of children, believing Him at His Word and dear to His heart. Additionally, let’s be the dads who love for real not just for pretend or in theory using word or lips service instead of true compassion. Therefore, let’s be the dads who put love into action, loving in truth through practicing it and with sincerity because we know that acts of love are more than just words!
How can we apply today’s verse of the day? What can it tell us about living our lives up to the calling of God to be the dads? Where can we apply it to meet the needs of our wives and kids for the glory of God?
Applications of 1 John 3:18 towards answering the call to be the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be:
Prioritize Quality Time:
Spend quality time with your family. Show your love through actions by being present and engaged in their lives. Listen actively to what they have to say and participate in meaningful conversations.
Acts of Service:
Demonstrate your love through acts of service. Help with household chores, assist your children with their homework, and support your wife in her daily tasks. These actions speak louder than words.
Encourage and Build Up:
Use your words to encourage and build up your family members. Compliment your spouse, praise your children for their achievements, and create an atmosphere of positivity and support at home.
Model Honesty and Integrity:
Be truthful in your words and actions. Model honesty and integrity for your children, teaching them the importance of living with authenticity and sincerity.
Express Affection:
Don’t shy away from expressing affection. Hug your children, hold hands with your spouse, and verbally express your love. Physical touch and affectionate words contribute to a loving and secure family environment.
Teach by Example:
Be a role model for your children. Live out the values and principles you want them to adopt. Your actions will speak louder than any words of advice.
Serve Others Together:
Extend your love beyond your immediate family. Engage in community service or charitable activities as a family. This teaches your children the importance of compassion and selflessness.
Apologize and Forgive:
When conflicts arise, be quick to apologize and forgive. Demonstrating humility and forgiveness in your relationships teaches your family members the importance of reconciliation and grace.
Show Unconditional Love:
Love your family members unconditionally, accepting them for who they are. Let them know that your love is not based on their achievements or behavior but on the fact that they are your family.
Pray Together:
Foster a spiritual environment in your home. Pray together as a family, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom. This not only strengthens your bond but also acknowledges God’s role in your lives.
In applying 1 John 3:18
The key is to translate love from a theoretical concept into practical, daily actions. By doing so, you fulfill the calling to be the dads your wives, kids, and the world need, reflecting God’s love through your lives.
