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Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

- 1 John 3:18

Our 8th grade class is getting confirmed in a few weeks, and as a part of that process, they all have to sit down and have a face to face (actually, screen to screen if we’re being technical) with a pastor.  In that meeting I read them the promises they are going to stand up and make in front of the congregation. 

And I always ask them, “Which of these promises do you feel called to, and which one might you struggle with?”  The answers vary of course, but the most common struggle of our confirmation kids?               To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed.

Not many of them feel comfortable talking about Jesus and I’m guessing not many of you do either (maybe a topic for another day).  Invariably however, I remind them that proclaiming the gospel isn’t just about words. It’s also the second part of that promise: deeds. 

Your deeds proclaim Christ every bit as loudly as your words (often more so), as we are reminded in our reading from 1 John this week, “Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” 

Love as a verb instead of a feeling? I wonder what that would look like?

A few weeks ago, I alluded to the connection between John 3:16 (for God so loved the world …) and 1 John 3:16 (We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us – and we ought to lay down our lives for one another).  Notice the difference?  1 John calls us into action.

Love is not just a feeling word.  1 John tells us we know love by God’s actions.  And we show love, by our actions.  Imagine telling someone you love them in one breath, but then ignoring their needs the rest of the week.  That of course is not love, even if you think you feel love towards that person.

That’s our calling as people of God: to show his love through the way that we interact with the world God so loved.  In other words, if you want to fulfill your baptismal promises (as our confirmation students are preparing to do), think first about your actions. 

How might you proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed?