A Sermon for Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church
21st July 2024
1 John 3.16-24
The theologian Sallie McFague knows a thing or two
about the power of words,
and she says that ‘when people call for action,
they need to think about words.’
Because, she says ‘words are actions for human beings.’
Words, she claims, have the power to create worlds,
and just as in the book of Genesis God is depicted
speaking the world into being in the great act of creation;
so we too speak new worlds into being,
creating new possibilities with every utterance.
We must reject the lie that “Sticks and stones can break my bones,
but words will never hurt me”,
because words have great power,
creating the worlds within which we live and believe,
and flourish and perish.
There's a power in words.
and those of us who preach or teach understand this deeply.
We stand before you each week,
wielding the mighty sword of scripture,
hoping to pierce hearts and illuminate minds.
But words, for all their potency,
can also sometimes feel a little...hollow.
We can get caught up in the beauty of a passage,
the elegance of a turn of phrase,
or the academic enquiry into context and origin,
and we can forget that the ultimate goal of words
isn't a mental exercise,
it a transformation of the world.
The Bible isn't meant to simply be admired, or studied;
it's meant to be lived.
Because the Bible becomes alive for us
as the Spirit of life brings the words of life, to life in our lives.
The author of 1 John understood this,
and in today's passage, he confronts a truth that can be uncomfortable:
and the truth is this: talk is cheap.
We can shower people with compliments,
we can express our love in grand pronouncements,
but if those words aren't backed by action,
they ring hollow.
If our words don’t create a new world,
in which love is made known and experienced in people’s lives,
they are just a clanging cymbal or a banging drum (cf 1 Cor. 13)
Imagine that today is turning out to be one of the worst days of your life.
Maybe you've lost your job,
or heard that a loved one is struggling with illness.
You reach out to a friend, you pour out your heart,
and they offer a sympathetic ear and kind words.
But then...nothing.
No offer of help, no concrete action to ease your burden.
The initial comfort quickly evaporates,
replaced by a deeper sense of isolation.
This, the author of 1 John suggests,
is the danger of love that exists only in words.
Instead, he calls for a different kind of love
– a love made known "in truth and action", (1 John 3:18).
This kind of love isn't about empty platitudes;
it's about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved.
It's about looking around your own Christian community
– at your brothers and sisters in faith –
and seeing who might be hurting.
Maybe it's a single parent struggling to make ends meet.
Perhaps it's a neighbour facing a health crisis.
True love compels us to see these needs, to offer a helping hand,
and to share the burdens we carry together.
This call to action might sound daunting.
After all, isn't love a feeling?
Can we really force ourselves to care?
The answer, thankfully, is no.
The love the author speaks of isn't a fleeting emotion;
it's a commitment, a way of life rooted in faith.
This is love spoken into being,
taking shape and form in deed and action.
As we saw in our sermon last week
when we choose to follow Christ, we choose to embody his love,
and Christlike love culminated in the ultimate sacrifice
– as Jesus laid down his life for his friends (John 10:17).
This love of God that is made known to us in Christ
is a love that demands selflessness,
a willingness to put the needs of others before our own.
This doesn't mean we need to become martyrs.
But it does mean being intentionally attentive
to the needs of those around us.
It means asking ourselves some tough questions:
Do we truly see the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Are we willing to offer practical help,
even if it means sacrificing our own comfort or convenience?
This morning, as we spend some time with this passage from 1 John,
we’ll find ourselves facing both the dangers of hate
and the life-giving power of love,
and how our words can shape action both good and bad.
We'll see how our actions
can either confirm or contradict our faith.
And ultimately, we'll seek to answer the question
of how can we move from words of good intent
to true love in action,
building a Christian community
where love is not just spoken, but lived?
This journey begins with a critical first step
– recognizing the limitations of words
and embracing the transformative power of love in action.
Beyond Words: The Challenge of Love and the Danger of Hate (1 John 3:10-15, 17)
But the next step on the journey
involves both a challenge and a warning:
there is a call here to cultivate genuine love within our Christian community
but also a caution against the destructive power of hate,
and both of these are rooted in the language we use,
the words that we choose.
So John begins by reminding his readers
of the privilege and responsibility
that comes with being children of God.
He emphasizes the importance of love within the Christian family,
stating, ‘Whoever does not love does not know God,
for God is love’. (1 John 4:8).
This divine love isn't a passive feeling;
rather it's an active commitment that binds believers together
as brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 3:14).
However, John isn't naive.
He recognizes that even within the Christian community,
darkness can lurk.
And so he warns against the insidious presence of hate,
contrasting it with the life-giving power of love.
He says, "All who hate a brother or sister are murderers,
and you know that murderers
do not have eternal life abiding in them" (1 John 3:15).
John's language might seem harsh here,
but it underscores the gravity of hateful words and behaviours.
This is not a harmless emotion,
but a destructive force that can lead to devastating consequences.
Perhaps you've experienced this first-hand
– a conflict with a fellow believer,
a simmering resentment that festers and grows.
This kind of hate, John warns,
cuts us off from the very wellspring of life – from God's love.
But John also offers a glimpse
into the consequences of failing to show love.
He presents a scenario where someone possesses material resources
but refuses to help a brother or sister in need (1 John 3:17).
Here, John isn't advocating for blind handouts;
he's highlighting the importance of compassion
and practical assistance within the Christian family.
When we see a fellow believer struggling and turn a blind eye,
it raises a troubling question:
"does the love of God reside in such a person?" John asks… (1 John 3:17).
This passage compels us to examine our own hearts.
Are we truly seeing the needs of those around us,
especially those within our church community?
Do we offer practical help and support,
or do we remain comfortable while others struggle?
The community here at Bloomsbury is diverse,
and none of us should ever assume that everyone else is like us.
It's too easy to fall into the trap of convenience,
convincing ourselves that someone else will step in,
or that the need isn't urgent enough.
But John challenges these justifications,
reminding us that love isn't a spectator sport;
it demands active participation of the whole community.
Now, some might argue
that we simply don't have the resources to help everyone.
And of course that's true.
But resources come in many forms.
It's not just about money;
it's also about offering a listening ear,
a helping hand,
or simply giving the gift of spending time with someone.
The key is to be open to the needs around us
and to respond with a willingness to help, even in small ways.
Our words of love need to take shape
in actions of loving compassion.
We’ve explored before the difference between charity and reciprocity,
and I’m reminded of Prof John Barclay’s groundbreaking work on Christian love.
He suggests that the outworking of love in the life of the believer
should be found in building reciprocity
so that the recipient of assistance is empowered
to move from dependence to independence.
He notes that both in the ancient world and today
poverty and need are often associated with shame:
the shame of asking, the shame of being dependent upon others,
the shame of never being able to return a gift, but having to ask again,
the shame of falling into one-way dependence.
In a disconcertingly honest precursor
to the rhetoric of some of our contemporary populist politicians,
there was some graffiti found in Pompeii which reads:
‘I hate poor people, if someone wants something for nothing, he is a fool.
Let him pay for it’.[1]
In this rhetoric, in these harmful and hateful words,
we find scorn directed against the poor,
who are perceived as scroungers.
And in such circumstances it is unsurprising
if the poor and needy end up hating the wealthy in return,
even hating the one-way charity that traps them in their shame.
Do we think that people like going to food banks?
Do we think that people enjoy receiving hand-outs?
Of course not, they hate it,
and they wish it were different.
And so true Christian love builds reciprocity,
true Christian love releases people from shame and dependence,
true Christian love creates capacity and agency.
The iron rule of community organising
is to never do for someone what they have the capacity to do for themselves.
To put it another way, don’t do for, do with!
The purpose of community organising, as it is practiced by London Citizens,
is to build people’s capacity,
so that they can take power and control
in and over their own lives and choices.
And this is Christ-like love in action, because it leads to new life,
releasing people from spirals of poverty and debt.
And this is why the author of 1 John speaks of hate:
The danger of hate, and the importance of love
aren't mere theoretical concepts.
They have real-world consequences.
When we cultivate Christ-like love within our community,
it generates a sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose.
It creates a safe haven where people can be vulnerable,
knowing they will be met with compassion and understanding.
And through such a community
Christ reaches out his healing hand to lift up the broken,
to heal the lame and the maimed,
and to give hope to the hopeless.
Charity without reciprocity creates the context
in which hate takes root,
it sows division, isolation, and ultimately, destruction.
The words of hatred in our society,
spoken so often out of a sense of alienation and disempowerment,
only generate works of hatred and violence.
So, how do we combat hate and nurture love?
The answer lies in a conscious shift in our focus:
we must move beyond ourselves and our own needs.
We must practice active listening,
seeking to understand the struggles of others.
We must cultivate empathy,
allowing ourselves to feel the weight of their burdens.
And most importantly, we must be willing to act
– to offer practical help and support,
even when it's inconvenient or requires sacrifice on our part.
Love in Action: The Assurance and Joy of Belonging (1 John 3:18-24)
So far, in our journey through this passage
we've explored the limitations of words
and the importance of demonstrating love through concrete actions.
We've examined the destructive power of hate
and the life-giving power of love,
as they relate to Christian acts of charity and reciprocity.
And as we come now to the final section of our passage from 1 John,
we’ll be focusing on the spiritual benefits of love in action
and the assurance it brings.
John, ever the practical guide, offers a clear directive:
" Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth."
(1 John 3:18).
He emphasizes here the importance of authenticity
– love that isn't merely spoken, but actively lived out.
This kind of love isn't just about outward gestures;
it's rooted in a genuine desire for the well-being of others.
John goes on to highlight a key benefit of love in action:
the assurance it brings.
He writes, " by this we will know that we are from the truth
and will reassure our hearts before him " (1 John 3:19).
When we practice love, when we see others being brought to life,
we gain a sense of confidence in our faith.
Our actions become a tangible manifestation of our beliefs,
a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love within us.
Imagine you have spent weeks preparing a delicious meal for your family.
You have poured your love and attention into every detail.
But then, as you sit down to eat, no one takes a bite.
They criticize the appearance, question the taste, or simply lose their appetite.
This scenario would leave even the most enthusiastic chef disheartened
and questioning their efforts.
But if, on the other hand, your family devour the meal with gusto,
expressing their appreciation for your hard work,
it would fill you with a sense of satisfaction
as well as confirming your culinary skills!
Similarly, when we actively love others,
it becomes an outward sign of our inward faith.
It assures us that we're truly living out
the significance of our faith in Jesus.
John isn't suggesting that our salvation hinges on our actions;
Christ's sacrifice is the foundation of our faith.
However, our actions do serve as an indicator
of whether we've truly grasped the essence of his message.
As Mother Teresa famously put it:
The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith,
the fruit of faith is love,
the fruit of love is service
and the fruit of service is peace.
And so John reminds his readers
that God isn't limited by human understanding.
He writes, "For even if our hearts condemn us,
God is greater than our hearts, and God knows everything" (1 John 3:20).
Sometimes, despite our best efforts,
we still struggle with feelings of doubt or inadequacy.
Maybe we second-guess our ability to truly love others.
But John offers comfort by pointing to God's boundless love.
God knows our hearts, even the parts shrouded in doubt.
This truth liberates us from the burden of self-condemnation.
It allows us to approach God with confidence,
knowing that God’s love is not a reward for our perfect performance
but a gift freely given.
Even when our best intentions fall short, and our love feels inadequate,
we can find solace in this truth.
John concludes by reminding us of the joy and freedom
that come with practicing real love:
"Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us,
we have boldness before God,
and we receive whatever we ask,
because we obey God’s commandments and do what pleases God."
(1 John 3:21-22).
When we live in accordance with God's love,
we experience a sense of inner peace and confidence in our prayers.
This isn't about manipulating God into giving us whatever we desire;
it's about aligning our desires with God’s will
and experiencing the joy that comes
from living in accordance with God’s principles.
Ultimately, the call to love in action isn't a burden; it's a gift.
It's an opportunity to embody the love of Christ,
to strengthen our faith,
and to build a vibrant, supportive Christian community.
Let us not be content with mere words of love.
Rather, let us embrace the challenge to love "in truth and action,"
transforming our words into deeds that uplift, strengthen,
and offer a tangible expression of God's love in this world.
Conclusion
And so we are called to a love that transcends mere words.
to a love that rolls up its sleeves,
where our words of love create a world of love in action,
a love that sees the needs of others and offers a helping hand,
to lift up those who are downtrodden.
This is a love that builds bridges within our Christian community,
creating places of belonging and support.
This journey of love in action might require sacrifice.
It might mean stepping outside our comfort zone,
offering practical help even when it's inconvenient.
But the rewards are immeasurable.
We gain a deeper sense of purpose,
a stronger connection with God,
and the joy of knowing we're truly living out the message of Christ.
So let's together seek opportunities
to embody transformative love in tangible ways.
Because every act of love, no matter how small,
contributes to a more loving, more Christlike world.
And may God empower us to be instruments of love,
transforming our words into actions
that bring hope, healing,
and a tangible expression of God's grace in this world.
Amen.
[1] Prof John M G Barclay - Beyond Charity: Gift & Community https://youtu.be/xQDmkjIT5AA?si=xSlKOyjsbjIfBPr5
about the power of words,
and she says that ‘when people call for action,
they need to think about words.’
Because, she says ‘words are actions for human beings.’
Words, she claims, have the power to create worlds,
and just as in the book of Genesis God is depicted
speaking the world into being in the great act of creation;
so we too speak new worlds into being,
creating new possibilities with every utterance.
We must reject the lie that “Sticks and stones can break my bones,
but words will never hurt me”,
because words have great power,
creating the worlds within which we live and believe,
and flourish and perish.
There's a power in words.
and those of us who preach or teach understand this deeply.
We stand before you each week,
wielding the mighty sword of scripture,
hoping to pierce hearts and illuminate minds.
But words, for all their potency,
can also sometimes feel a little...hollow.
We can get caught up in the beauty of a passage,
the elegance of a turn of phrase,
or the academic enquiry into context and origin,
and we can forget that the ultimate goal of words
isn't a mental exercise,
it a transformation of the world.
The Bible isn't meant to simply be admired, or studied;
it's meant to be lived.
Because the Bible becomes alive for us
as the Spirit of life brings the words of life, to life in our lives.
The author of 1 John understood this,
and in today's passage, he confronts a truth that can be uncomfortable:
and the truth is this: talk is cheap.
We can shower people with compliments,
we can express our love in grand pronouncements,
but if those words aren't backed by action,
they ring hollow.
If our words don’t create a new world,
in which love is made known and experienced in people’s lives,
they are just a clanging cymbal or a banging drum (cf 1 Cor. 13)
Imagine that today is turning out to be one of the worst days of your life.
Maybe you've lost your job,
or heard that a loved one is struggling with illness.
You reach out to a friend, you pour out your heart,
and they offer a sympathetic ear and kind words.
But then...nothing.
No offer of help, no concrete action to ease your burden.
The initial comfort quickly evaporates,
replaced by a deeper sense of isolation.
This, the author of 1 John suggests,
is the danger of love that exists only in words.
Instead, he calls for a different kind of love
– a love made known "in truth and action", (1 John 3:18).
This kind of love isn't about empty platitudes;
it's about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved.
It's about looking around your own Christian community
– at your brothers and sisters in faith –
and seeing who might be hurting.
Maybe it's a single parent struggling to make ends meet.
Perhaps it's a neighbour facing a health crisis.
True love compels us to see these needs, to offer a helping hand,
and to share the burdens we carry together.
This call to action might sound daunting.
After all, isn't love a feeling?
Can we really force ourselves to care?
The answer, thankfully, is no.
The love the author speaks of isn't a fleeting emotion;
it's a commitment, a way of life rooted in faith.
This is love spoken into being,
taking shape and form in deed and action.
As we saw in our sermon last week
when we choose to follow Christ, we choose to embody his love,
and Christlike love culminated in the ultimate sacrifice
– as Jesus laid down his life for his friends (John 10:17).
This love of God that is made known to us in Christ
is a love that demands selflessness,
a willingness to put the needs of others before our own.
This doesn't mean we need to become martyrs.
But it does mean being intentionally attentive
to the needs of those around us.
It means asking ourselves some tough questions:
Do we truly see the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Are we willing to offer practical help,
even if it means sacrificing our own comfort or convenience?
This morning, as we spend some time with this passage from 1 John,
we’ll find ourselves facing both the dangers of hate
and the life-giving power of love,
and how our words can shape action both good and bad.
We'll see how our actions
can either confirm or contradict our faith.
And ultimately, we'll seek to answer the question
of how can we move from words of good intent
to true love in action,
building a Christian community
where love is not just spoken, but lived?
This journey begins with a critical first step
– recognizing the limitations of words
and embracing the transformative power of love in action.
Beyond Words: The Challenge of Love and the Danger of Hate (1 John 3:10-15, 17)
But the next step on the journey
involves both a challenge and a warning:
there is a call here to cultivate genuine love within our Christian community
but also a caution against the destructive power of hate,
and both of these are rooted in the language we use,
the words that we choose.
So John begins by reminding his readers
of the privilege and responsibility
that comes with being children of God.
He emphasizes the importance of love within the Christian family,
stating, ‘Whoever does not love does not know God,
for God is love’. (1 John 4:8).
This divine love isn't a passive feeling;
rather it's an active commitment that binds believers together
as brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 3:14).
However, John isn't naive.
He recognizes that even within the Christian community,
darkness can lurk.
And so he warns against the insidious presence of hate,
contrasting it with the life-giving power of love.
He says, "All who hate a brother or sister are murderers,
and you know that murderers
do not have eternal life abiding in them" (1 John 3:15).
John's language might seem harsh here,
but it underscores the gravity of hateful words and behaviours.
This is not a harmless emotion,
but a destructive force that can lead to devastating consequences.
Perhaps you've experienced this first-hand
– a conflict with a fellow believer,
a simmering resentment that festers and grows.
This kind of hate, John warns,
cuts us off from the very wellspring of life – from God's love.
But John also offers a glimpse
into the consequences of failing to show love.
He presents a scenario where someone possesses material resources
but refuses to help a brother or sister in need (1 John 3:17).
Here, John isn't advocating for blind handouts;
he's highlighting the importance of compassion
and practical assistance within the Christian family.
When we see a fellow believer struggling and turn a blind eye,
it raises a troubling question:
"does the love of God reside in such a person?" John asks… (1 John 3:17).
This passage compels us to examine our own hearts.
Are we truly seeing the needs of those around us,
especially those within our church community?
Do we offer practical help and support,
or do we remain comfortable while others struggle?
The community here at Bloomsbury is diverse,
and none of us should ever assume that everyone else is like us.
It's too easy to fall into the trap of convenience,
convincing ourselves that someone else will step in,
or that the need isn't urgent enough.
But John challenges these justifications,
reminding us that love isn't a spectator sport;
it demands active participation of the whole community.
Now, some might argue
that we simply don't have the resources to help everyone.
And of course that's true.
But resources come in many forms.
It's not just about money;
it's also about offering a listening ear,
a helping hand,
or simply giving the gift of spending time with someone.
The key is to be open to the needs around us
and to respond with a willingness to help, even in small ways.
Our words of love need to take shape
in actions of loving compassion.
We’ve explored before the difference between charity and reciprocity,
and I’m reminded of Prof John Barclay’s groundbreaking work on Christian love.
He suggests that the outworking of love in the life of the believer
should be found in building reciprocity
so that the recipient of assistance is empowered
to move from dependence to independence.
He notes that both in the ancient world and today
poverty and need are often associated with shame:
the shame of asking, the shame of being dependent upon others,
the shame of never being able to return a gift, but having to ask again,
the shame of falling into one-way dependence.
In a disconcertingly honest precursor
to the rhetoric of some of our contemporary populist politicians,
there was some graffiti found in Pompeii which reads:
‘I hate poor people, if someone wants something for nothing, he is a fool.
Let him pay for it’.[1]
In this rhetoric, in these harmful and hateful words,
we find scorn directed against the poor,
who are perceived as scroungers.
And in such circumstances it is unsurprising
if the poor and needy end up hating the wealthy in return,
even hating the one-way charity that traps them in their shame.
Do we think that people like going to food banks?
Do we think that people enjoy receiving hand-outs?
Of course not, they hate it,
and they wish it were different.
And so true Christian love builds reciprocity,
true Christian love releases people from shame and dependence,
true Christian love creates capacity and agency.
The iron rule of community organising
is to never do for someone what they have the capacity to do for themselves.
To put it another way, don’t do for, do with!
The purpose of community organising, as it is practiced by London Citizens,
is to build people’s capacity,
so that they can take power and control
in and over their own lives and choices.
And this is Christ-like love in action, because it leads to new life,
releasing people from spirals of poverty and debt.
And this is why the author of 1 John speaks of hate:
The danger of hate, and the importance of love
aren't mere theoretical concepts.
They have real-world consequences.
When we cultivate Christ-like love within our community,
it generates a sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose.
It creates a safe haven where people can be vulnerable,
knowing they will be met with compassion and understanding.
And through such a community
Christ reaches out his healing hand to lift up the broken,
to heal the lame and the maimed,
and to give hope to the hopeless.
Charity without reciprocity creates the context
in which hate takes root,
it sows division, isolation, and ultimately, destruction.
The words of hatred in our society,
spoken so often out of a sense of alienation and disempowerment,
only generate works of hatred and violence.
So, how do we combat hate and nurture love?
The answer lies in a conscious shift in our focus:
we must move beyond ourselves and our own needs.
We must practice active listening,
seeking to understand the struggles of others.
We must cultivate empathy,
allowing ourselves to feel the weight of their burdens.
And most importantly, we must be willing to act
– to offer practical help and support,
even when it's inconvenient or requires sacrifice on our part.
Love in Action: The Assurance and Joy of Belonging (1 John 3:18-24)
So far, in our journey through this passage
we've explored the limitations of words
and the importance of demonstrating love through concrete actions.
We've examined the destructive power of hate
and the life-giving power of love,
as they relate to Christian acts of charity and reciprocity.
And as we come now to the final section of our passage from 1 John,
we’ll be focusing on the spiritual benefits of love in action
and the assurance it brings.
John, ever the practical guide, offers a clear directive:
" Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth."
(1 John 3:18).
He emphasizes here the importance of authenticity
– love that isn't merely spoken, but actively lived out.
This kind of love isn't just about outward gestures;
it's rooted in a genuine desire for the well-being of others.
John goes on to highlight a key benefit of love in action:
the assurance it brings.
He writes, " by this we will know that we are from the truth
and will reassure our hearts before him " (1 John 3:19).
When we practice love, when we see others being brought to life,
we gain a sense of confidence in our faith.
Our actions become a tangible manifestation of our beliefs,
a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love within us.
Imagine you have spent weeks preparing a delicious meal for your family.
You have poured your love and attention into every detail.
But then, as you sit down to eat, no one takes a bite.
They criticize the appearance, question the taste, or simply lose their appetite.
This scenario would leave even the most enthusiastic chef disheartened
and questioning their efforts.
But if, on the other hand, your family devour the meal with gusto,
expressing their appreciation for your hard work,
it would fill you with a sense of satisfaction
as well as confirming your culinary skills!
Similarly, when we actively love others,
it becomes an outward sign of our inward faith.
It assures us that we're truly living out
the significance of our faith in Jesus.
John isn't suggesting that our salvation hinges on our actions;
Christ's sacrifice is the foundation of our faith.
However, our actions do serve as an indicator
of whether we've truly grasped the essence of his message.
As Mother Teresa famously put it:
The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith,
the fruit of faith is love,
the fruit of love is service
and the fruit of service is peace.
And so John reminds his readers
that God isn't limited by human understanding.
He writes, "For even if our hearts condemn us,
God is greater than our hearts, and God knows everything" (1 John 3:20).
Sometimes, despite our best efforts,
we still struggle with feelings of doubt or inadequacy.
Maybe we second-guess our ability to truly love others.
But John offers comfort by pointing to God's boundless love.
God knows our hearts, even the parts shrouded in doubt.
This truth liberates us from the burden of self-condemnation.
It allows us to approach God with confidence,
knowing that God’s love is not a reward for our perfect performance
but a gift freely given.
Even when our best intentions fall short, and our love feels inadequate,
we can find solace in this truth.
John concludes by reminding us of the joy and freedom
that come with practicing real love:
"Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us,
we have boldness before God,
and we receive whatever we ask,
because we obey God’s commandments and do what pleases God."
(1 John 3:21-22).
When we live in accordance with God's love,
we experience a sense of inner peace and confidence in our prayers.
This isn't about manipulating God into giving us whatever we desire;
it's about aligning our desires with God’s will
and experiencing the joy that comes
from living in accordance with God’s principles.
Ultimately, the call to love in action isn't a burden; it's a gift.
It's an opportunity to embody the love of Christ,
to strengthen our faith,
and to build a vibrant, supportive Christian community.
Let us not be content with mere words of love.
Rather, let us embrace the challenge to love "in truth and action,"
transforming our words into deeds that uplift, strengthen,
and offer a tangible expression of God's love in this world.
Conclusion
And so we are called to a love that transcends mere words.
to a love that rolls up its sleeves,
where our words of love create a world of love in action,
a love that sees the needs of others and offers a helping hand,
to lift up those who are downtrodden.
This is a love that builds bridges within our Christian community,
creating places of belonging and support.
This journey of love in action might require sacrifice.
It might mean stepping outside our comfort zone,
offering practical help even when it's inconvenient.
But the rewards are immeasurable.
We gain a deeper sense of purpose,
a stronger connection with God,
and the joy of knowing we're truly living out the message of Christ.
So let's together seek opportunities
to embody transformative love in tangible ways.
Because every act of love, no matter how small,
contributes to a more loving, more Christlike world.
And may God empower us to be instruments of love,
transforming our words into actions
that bring hope, healing,
and a tangible expression of God's grace in this world.
Amen.
[1] Prof John M G Barclay - Beyond Charity: Gift & Community https://youtu.be/xQDmkjIT5AA?si=xSlKOyjsbjIfBPr5
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