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Love You Can See


Scripture: “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” — 1 John 3:18 (NRSV)

We talk about love a lot—at church, at home, even on social media. John reminds us that Christian love isn’t measured by how beautifully we speak, but by what people can actually see. Agapē is love that rolls up its sleeves. It’s practical, concrete, and often inconvenient.

Think of the ways Jesus loved: He touched lepers, fed crowds, washed feet, and laid down His life. None of that stayed in the realm of warm feelings. Love took on the shape of a towel, bread and fish, a cross. When we follow Him, our love takes on shapes too—rides to appointments, a hot meal, a listening ear, a quiet gift.

As we move toward the holidays, needs around us become more visible—neighbors stretched by bills, single parents pressed for time, seniors navigating loneliness. The Spirit isn’t asking us to fix everything, but to do the next faithful thing that makes God’s love visible to someone right in front of us.

Today, ask: if a stranger watched my day on mute, would they still “hear” the love of Jesus through what I do? Let’s love in a way that speaks even when our mouths are closed.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You loved us with hands, feet, and a poured-out life. Fill me with Your Spirit today so my love is more than words. Open my eyes to one person I can serve, and give me the courage to act. Amen.

Practice (Do One Thing):
Choose one tangible act before dinner: write a note of encouragement, drop off a bag of groceries, pay for someone’s coffee, or send a quick gift card to a family in need. Put a time on your calendar and do it today.

Reflection Question:
Where is God inviting me to trade a good intention for a loving action this week?