In deed and in truth

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

We know that the two greatest commandments in the law are to love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love thy neighbor as thyself. Now, John gives us the two commandments that we are to follow—to believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another. This is His dual commandment! Because, truth be told, they are companions. One does not exist without the other. They are not mutually exclusive. They are practically one and the same. That’s why John tells us that we know we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren. And because we love the brethren, we may assure our hearts before Him, and know that we are of the truth. Our love for the brethren is the surest and veriest sign that we are of God, and are children of God. This is the one mark of the believer. Without this mark, how could we name the name of Christ? He that loveth not his brother abideth in death! He that loveth not His brother cannot be of God! When you know the love of Christ, you are compelled to love. How could we not love? He has laid down His life for us! The love of Christ therefore constraineth us.

Now, here we are told how to love the brethren. He says, “let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” When we love the brothers and sisters in the Lord, this is the way in which we are to love. Not only in word and in tongue. You see, it is not difficult to say, “I love you.” And it is a good thing so to do. But when not accompanied by reflecting and complementary deeds, it cannot be proved, corroborated, or believed! If someone says they love you but has no supporting deeds, then why would you believe it? And when thou dost love others, be sure that thy deeds match thy words! If they do not, the recipient will never believe! They will think you a phony, a hypocrite, a deceiver. Instead, my friends, let us love in deed and in truth. Let our deeds show that we love others. Let our deeds speak for themselves. Let the truth be made manifest on its own. Let “I love you” be known before it is spoken. I love to say such a statement, and I cherish when others say it to me. But let it never be questioned. May it be made sure by my works and by my actions. Let us love in deed and in truth!

“Father, thank you for the great and immeasurable love you richly have bestowed upon us through your loving Son. His love was shown on the cross, and demonstrated through His sacrifice. May our love for others be visible, knowable, and unquestionable. May others see our love and not just hear a profession of it. And when we vocalize our feelings for others with our tongues, may our deeds shout in agreement and concurrence. And may there be no doubt to the hearers. Help us to love as Christ loves, with our deeds and actions. We trust that Thou wilt help us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”