“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
We miss out on experiencing love when we sit back waiting on a feeling to chase us down. The Bible says love requires our active participation to be experienced. The Holy Spirit invites us into a beautiful life experience of knowing God when we participate. Participation leads to encounters.
Some of the most impactful ways to show up in love is through our actions. When a loved one is sick, dropping a treat on their porch to remind them they’re not alone. When a friend is grieving, remembering the important dates and sending a text or a card. When you know someone has a need, fill it before giving them an opportunity to decline your help. Pulling your neighbors trash bins up to their garage door or organizing a meal train for a friend who just had a baby. Some of the most tangible ways we experience God’s love are when others show their compassion through action. Opportunities to love others in this way are all around our existing schedules. We do not need to go out of our way, but instead we should continue to keep our eyes open for moments of pause throughout the day where we can add a little extra service to others in between our to-dos. We see Jesus lead by example in countless ways in the Bible. He is a tangible example of being interruptible for the sake of compassion. I’ve found when my eyes are open to showing compassion for others, I’m more prone to experience others doing the same for me.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Showing compassion to our brothers and sisters is expressing love to our Father. I love how Matthew 25:40 states this fact so clearly that we cannot misunderstand.
To encounter God and experience His love we must have our eyes peeled for opportunities to be compassionate towards others. Whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him.
