Love with Tangible Actions

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

─ Romans 5:5 ESV

Allyson’s sons, born 366 days apart, stood up for one another in school when others stood against them, but at home it often felt like war. They spent more time in “time out” than in free play this week, and she was done.

She called the boys to the living room, took an adult, large t-shirt and slid it over both of them. She ignored the looks of shock and disgust, along with “Eww,” and “yuck.” “Whatever you do this evening, you’re going to do it together. And if you argue and fuss, you can just sleep like that.”

She sat down on the couch and the two boys, unsure what to do – didn’t move. “The preacher, Paul,” she began, “said God wants us to love each other, with hugs and kisses, and be really happy about being nice to each other” (Romans 12:10). “And …” she said, smiling at their pouting faces, “You can do it because God’s love is already in your hearts. The Holy Spirit helps you love each other – even when you don’t feel like it” (Romans 5:5).

Real love for others produces tangible actions: showing kindness to strangers as well as your family, empathy for those who are in prison and those who have been mistreated, fidelity for your marriage vows and contentment with what you have.

Today’s One Thing

Make sure your love runs deep enough to affect your hospitality, empathy, fidelity, and contentment. Choose one of these areas and focus your attention on being very intentional with your tangible actions in that area this week.

Receive Devotionals like This in Your Email