In Deed

^{1 John 3:13-22}

¹³ Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. ¹⁴ We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. ¹⁵ Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. ¹⁶ We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ¹⁷ But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? ¹⁸ Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. ¹⁹ We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him ²⁰ in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. ²¹ Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; ²² and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

People watch us. They hear what we say. But, more importantly, they watch what we do. Sometimes you hear statements like “Monkey see, monkey do.” Or “Copycat.” How many of us walk like our father or mother? How many of us stand like our father or mother? How many of us mimic someone we admire? People watch us. What does the Bible say about our actions?

John addresses his readers as little children. He tells them to love in deed and in truth. Apparently, people are good at loving with their words or with their tongue. But true love is shown by our deeds. John goes on to say that whatever we ask we receive from God because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. What does this mean to you? Do people know how much you love them by your words or by your actions?

The two men that Jesus joined on the way to Emmaus following His resurrection referred to Jesus as a prophet mighty in deed. They also acknowledged that He was mighty in word. But they first mention that He was mighty in deed. What does this have to say about their perception of Jesus? Are you better known for being mighty in deed or mighty in word?

Paul tells the Corinthians that what he and his companions are in word by their letters, they are in deed when present with the people. In other words, they put their money where their mouth is. They do what they say.

So, is it better to be hearers of the word or doers of the word? Which shows our faith better? Which shows our commitment to Jesus better? Which shows where our hearts are better?

Are you a doer? Can you explain why this is a good thing? Can you explain why Jesus wants us to be doers?