Do

Do

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

READING THROUGH the local message boards one day, my friend Eli noticed that a woman from church had posted an idea. As the mother of a child with medical challenges, she thought it would be great if the community hosted an Easter event her son could participate in. Because it was more difficult for her son and other children in wheelchairs to reach eggs hidden on the ground, she suggested tying balloons to the eggs so they’d be easier to pick up.

Eli didn’t comment on the post. Instead, the following Sunday, he waited until he saw the family arrive at church. Then he drove to the store, purchased candy, balloons, and eggs, and assembled the items. Though it was a challenge to fit ten bobbing, multicolored helium balloons in the back of his car, he managed to squeeze them in and drive over to the family’s home. Once there, he left the items on their doorstep with a card signed by church staff. The family was so touched when they arrived home.

So often as Christians, it can be difficult to know what to say. Let’s go beyond words and choose to do the work of loving well. Love is quietly showing up when it matters: dropping off a hot meal for new parents, picking up groceries for a sick relative, mowing the lawn for a neighbor, sending an encouraging message to a friend. Many of our most loving actions cost very little, but the return on investment for a life well-lived is exponential.

After all, it was through the things he did that Jesus demonstrated his love for us during his earthly ministry—healing the sick, eating dinner with sinners, washing the feet of his disciples, even raising the dead. What we do matters. Though Jesus’ words had impact, it was the things he did that sparked belief in the hearts of his followers. It was through his servant leadership that he offered a way for each of us to love one another with humility and care. And though our actions do not prove our love for him, they are the best proof we ourselves have of demonstrating a loving God in the face of an unbelieving world.

Lord, help us honor you in all that we do. May we demonstrate your love in each action we take. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Do something kind for someone today.