It felt strange for the words to come out of my mouth, but maybe even stranger that it felt strange at all. I couldn't remember the last time I had uttered them, honestly.
Sure, there's been the 'ol, "Jesus we love you" moments in praying out loud with others.... but I hadn't made it personal to just me in a long while. At least not audibly.
As soon as they came out, I immediately wondered, 'Do I...?'
I don't really use the word 'love' a whole lot...unless I'm talking about food, of course. When it comes to people, it's a scarcity in my vocabulary. I want it to mean something, I want it to be significant. I want it to be believed by the recipient that I mean what I say and that I'm willing to back it up with my actions.
Loving others is a big deal. They can never be just words... but there are always actions required. Actions that require selflessness, and sacrifice, and patience, and kindness, and perseverance, and hope when things feel hopeless, and trust, and not keeping track of all the crappy things. It's hard...and, to be honest, I'm not sure I'm even capable of it on my own.
So, if loving others is that big of a deal... when I tell Jesus I love Him...what does that make me responsible for?
'If you love Me, keep My commands...'
Action.
Loving Jesus isn't all about this emotional connectivity that feels all fluffy and good within. Does it happen sometimes...? Yeah, sure. But, it's not the basis for how God knows I love Him.
Obedience.
Do I love Jesus?
Do I keep His commands?
'His command is that you walk in love...'
I can tell Jesus I love Him all day long, but until I follow it up with obedience, it seems empty. It seems just as empty as the casual 'I love you' to a friend or an acquaintance that I merely say the words to because that's what Christians are 'supposed' to do.
When I tell Jesus I love Him...I want it to mean something, I want it to be significant. I want it to be known by Him that I mean what I say and that I'm willing to back it up with my actions.
We have to be willing to be people who walk in love...not just people who are willing to say they love.
Action is required.
Make sure your words match up with your actions, whether you're talking to friends, family or the Savior of the world.
It matters.
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