What is love? What is love in action?

We say we love, but do we really know what that means? Love is a verb, an action of sorts. To say you love something or someone and not move upon those emotions, it’s nothing but a noun, a person, place, or thing. When Jesus spoke to His followers in Matthew 25:34-40, he told them to be concerned with and care for those less fortunate than themselves. When we care for those in need, it is as if we care for Jesus Himself.

Look at verse 40: Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. When you consider those words, it just has to change the way you look at those in need.

The passage describes those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, shivering, sick, incarcerated, overlooked, and ignored. So often we describe those as less fortunate as poor and needy, but by listing less fortunate as homeless and hungry, we have the simple, easy solution of signing a check, dropping coins in a cup, or giving a dollar away to a homeless person on the street.

However, when you really hear what Jesus is saying, it is more than just giving money to the problem, it’s being involved and part of the solution.

Check out the action statements in the words of Matthew 25:34-40:

• You fed
• You gave
• You stopped
• You came
• You did

These are relational words, they are things you can’t do from your computer screen or check book. There are actions that require you to be there, to be involved. These are words that show love for another person. I love that Jesus doesn’t say, If you love me, give me your money. Or, If you want to be healed, send a check for $1,000 and I’ll plant a mustard seed of faith for you. No, throughout the bible we see that it’s relational! [See John 13:35]

Following Jesus means rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in each other’s lives. So I ask: Is your love a verb or a noun? What are you doing to love in action? Monday is story time! Feel free to share… or not.