Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.       – 1 John 3:18   

How often have you heard politicians, leaders, or news media say, when reporting on catastrophic events, “You are in our thoughts and prayers.” They may be referring to the people of a certain place—such as East Palestine, Ohio; Baltimore, Maryland; Haiti, Ukraine, Israel, or Taiwan—or they might be referencing the family of a slain first responder, a jailed journalist, or the victim of a violent crime. People make the statement, but is it true? Do they follow up with deeds of love? Maybe you have told an acquaintance, “I’ll be praying for you,” but only manage to say, “God bless my friend.” How true are you to your words? 

The kind of love God calls you to show others is practical. It combines love, compassion, nurture, care, and concern with kind actions that such love empowers. Love is a choice to be a truth-teller and a person of action. When true Christian love is part of your daily lifestyle, God is glorified. The more you exhibit a Christ-like love to others, the greater your own intimacy with Him becomes. Your confidence in God grows as you extend such love.

So, you may say you are praying for the people of Haiti, and when your church announces mission efforts there, contribute to it as you are able. And, yes, pray for the family of a policeman killed in the line of duty, and let others in law enforcement in your own community know you care about them, too. Be truthful. Take action. Intercede for those in media who claim they are praying to truly know the power of prayer and the One to Whom prayer is made.