Women's Focus Ministries: Friday Writing by Karen Bennett......6/16/17

Good Morning,

The theme of today's writing by Karen Bennett is love as it is shown by our actions. It is titled,"Actions Speak Louder Than Words!"

Here is something Karen wrote, "Can we share our belief and the truth of Christ's unconditional love if we behave as though we've never heard about it ourselves? We can't be perfect, of course, but we can certainly try to rid the world of the awful misconceptions of Christianity that are thriving now.

These words invite pondering by all of us. If we who know do not show love by our actions how will others become aware of the amazing love of God.

God bless

Karen and Corinne

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Today's Devotional
"Actions Speak Louder Than Words!"

As a child growing up, both my parents were fond of quoting Scripture or old adages to stress their points to my sister and me. A couple of them were used frequently by each of them. My dad always said, "If you can't say anything nice about somebody, don't say anything at all." He deplored gossip or anything remotely close to it. He also always said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Matthew 7:12.

My mom had her favorites as well, one of them being, "Actions speak louder than words." Of course, I believed her and knew she was right, but it wasn't until I became a young adult that I realized the stark truth of that statement!

I began to notice some people in my life would talk in one way, yet act in another. My mother's voice would whisper in my memory. I learned some things the difficult way, but I did learn my lesson!

What I find of paramount importance in this lesson is applying it to our walk with Jesus.. We were given the Great Commission, to tell others about Jesus and His love and sacrifice. It's as important, or more so, to for the way we live our lives to tell the story of the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus for all of us. Can we share our belief and the truth of Christ's unconditional love if we behave as though we've never heard about it ourselves?

We can't be perfect, of course, but we can certainly try to rid the world of the awful misconceptions of Christianity that are thriving now.

People should know who and what we are by our behavior, our treatment of others, our ethics, our morals, our honesty and sincerity among other things. They should be able to tell that Christianity is all about love, beginning with the Father and the love that had Him spare His children through His Son.

The Son loved us so much, He willingly died for us that we may receive the glorious and incomparable gift of salvation. The Spirit loves us with that love as well, and sanctifies us, even prays with us to be sure we get it right. All this love is ours if we believe. It is instilled in our hearts and our joy is eternal, unlike anything we have ever before known or can even imagine!

When we have guests at our churches, let them see by our genuine actions what Christian love and life are about. Let people see in our daily living the same caring behavior.

Teach what you know whenever you can, but remember your joy and your beliefs should be reflected in your actions. They are much louder than your words even though they don't make a sound.

Loving Father,

Thank You so much for the love you give us! Please help us each day to demonstrate Christianity to all we encounter. Let our actions be obvious to everyone, that we are believers in the God who IS love. Help us grow continually in that love that people will see it is genuine and another precious gift from You. May we walk as our Savior walked. We praise Your holy name and ask these things in it as well.
Amen!

Written by
Karen Bennett

Love is Action

by Tauren Wells