We’re living in interesting times – an absence of love in action. We’re in the middle of a health pandemic that has affected our; economy, schools, and homes. And just when we’re on the downside we’re hit again with another pandemic, a sin, called…RACISM!
The Great Divide
Both diseases, whether you see it, acknowledge, or admit it, exist and have become the great divide here in America. These diseases are dividing our country into sides.
From those that believe it exist to those that don’t. From the republicans thinking the democrats are tricking us; to the democrats thinking republicans are killing us.
CNN calling Fox on their facts, to Fox thinking they have all the facts.
From white people saying we’re taking things overboard, calm down, we don’t see color, it’s a good person vs. a bad person thing. To black people saying wait, listen and understand, systemic racism (injustice) has been going on for too long and it must stop!
You see, whether we see it, acknowledge, or admit it, the opposing sides exist. However today, I’m choosing a side – God’s side!
The Side of Love
I’m not taking the white side, the black side, the Republican side, or the Democrat side. No! I’m taking God’s side, and his side is, the side of love. Love stands on the side of justice, equality, love, and compassion.
We all want world peace, but the reality is many of us don’t come together collectively to obtain peace.
By ourselves, we can’t change people – only God can with his love. God’s love can change someone’s heart, mind, and perspective. However God will use people to demonstrate his love to others.
I know this because God used a white man, Ed Conover, from New Jersey, to change my heart, mind, and perspective.
God took the very thing I had been struggling with in regards to my perception of white people, to change my heart, where I can now say I have love in my heart for all people without bias or prejudice.
You see, God will meet you right where you’re at, if you let him.
How Does God Want Us To Love?
God expects us to love each other the way Christ loves us so that the world would know we are his disciples.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. ~ John 13: 34 – 35 (NLT)
The world’s love is a bunch of talk backed up by no action, but God’s love is backed by action.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
~ John 3:16 (NLT)
God shows us love by performing an act. He didn’t do this for a few, but for all. God loves black people, white people, brown people, and yellow people.
He loves every man, woman, and child, that walks this earth! No one person, race, gender, or nationality can claim him alone because God loves everyone!
For God shows no partiality undue favor or unfairness; with him, one man or woman is not different from another. ~ Romans 2:11 (AMPC)
If God loves everyone and we say we love God, then it would make sense that we are to love who he loves.
If someone says, “I love god,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? ~ 1 John 4:20 (NLT)
So how do we love who God loves? By demonstrating his love in action.
3 Ways To Show Love In Action
Treat people the way you want to be treated!
However, you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else. ~ Luke 6:31 (TPT)
This should apply to every area of our life whether our politics, religion, or even our differences. Treating others; with dignity, respect, care, regard, kindness, and compassion can go along way.
Stand up for what is right!
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
~ Micah 6:8 (NKJV)
When someone is hurting, our responsibility as followers of Christ is to show them compassion, healing, relief, resources to aid them and love
Regardless of our agreement or disagreement about religion, morals, or opinions. Because in the time of need, do those things matter?
Love and compassion doesn’t require agreement or approval. Our response to anyone that’s hurting should be love, compassion, and empathy.
Love people right where they are!
This means coming alongside people in their time of need, showing the same kind of grace and mercy that was extended to you.
We may not understand what others are going through, but if we say we love God, then out of our love for each other, we should be open to empathizing with our brothers and sisters.
That’s love in action! That kind of love is a game changer! If we’re not demonstrating this kind of love, the Bible says we have nothing!
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 if I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. ~ 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 (NLT)
You can be; a staunch republican or democrat, the CEO of a company, the president, be the richest man or woman in the world, have a million-plus followers, a preacher of a mega-church but if you don’t have love, you have gained nothing!
In The End
The distinguishing mark of a follower of Jesus Christ, is our actionable love for one another. Love can and will change your life, your home, your community, and eventually the world!
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. ~ 1 John 3:18 (NLT)
So in closing, I ask you, amid of all the turmoil will you choose God’s side – the side of love and demonstrate His love in action?
~ André Gray
Hi I wrote a letter to you guys a couple of weeks ago in reference to my marriage of 29 years and you shared some scriptures and information with me that has changed my life So much You gave me the invitation to join you in the Love 30 day challenge and I must admit It was hard at first because my spirit was willing but my flesh was fighting the spirit.But through studying everyday I now See That the only way my marriage is changing is Because I have allowed Agape Love to be my Guidance. I thank you both for your online ministry. May God Continue to Bless you!
Y.Potter
WOW Yolanda, reading this totally gave me the chills. Praise God for your obedience to surrender to the process so that you can see the fruit of your love walk. May God continue to direct your steps and lead you as you walk in love. ~ Blessings
Excellent! Can’t wait to start the 30 day love challenge.
Thank you Brenda! Get ready sister the Love Challenge will challenge your love walk for real. Looking forward to hearing your feedback. ~ Blessings
It truly is such a divisive time that we are living in, isn’t it. We don’t watch TV in our house so in some ways we’re removed from a little bit of the comparisons that you mentioned. It sill so grieved my heart. God wants so much more for us. Thank you for continuing to draw us back to the heart of God to love one another. Love you guys!
Love you too sister. Thank you for stopping buy to read. We have to limit what we watch so that our mind isn’t focused on the wrong things. ~ Blessings
Yes! We need to love people and think of them higher than ourselves. Jesus died to tear down the barriers between us and God, but also between us as people. We are all one in Christ now.
I LOVE the Title of this post…Tangible ways to show love in action according to the Bible! This is what we, as a nation, need to remember. I hardly watch TV at all because it’s so heartbreaking to watch. If you’re not depressed by the time you watch the news you will get sucked down a hole you don’t want to be in. I work as an Oncology Phlebotomist and went I get home I have to plug into areas that’s not so heavy and weighed down because I witness so much suffering. We are living in a time where unity is needed more than ever. Keep marching on with your beautiful ministry.
Amen Angie – thank you for stopping by to read. ~ Blessings
Choosing God’s side while striving to love like He loves is so important.
Amen