Listen

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

1 John 3:18-22

Think

A shepherd carries a staff so he or she can physically move or direct the sheep when needed. Wouldn’t it be funny if, instead, a shepherd carried a megaphone? How would the sheep respond to a shepherd who was constantly yelling at them and never truly guiding them? My guess is, not very well.

People are very much like sheep. Instead of just words, people respond best to someone who is willing to come beside them and offer a helping hand, a listening ear, or a hug. In order to take care of the sheep, shepherds have to be willing to get involved with the sheep. Shepherds would be walking ahead to lead the sheep, coming behind to nudge them on. Occasionally they would even need to lift a sheep up and carry it. In a world of people who are hurting or sometimes feel lost as well, we can use our words and speech, but much more, we should show our love with action and in truth.

Susan Reed

Pray

God who guides me, thank you for sending Christ to live here on earth. Thank you for the words he spoke, which I can learn from. Thank you for the deeds he did that set an example of how I should live. Help me see people today who are in need of support I can provide. Amen.

Go

Though you may feel that you have no way to go,
Love is there to lead you.
When the world seems dark and scary,
God is there to give you light.
In the midst of every trouble, every care,
Christ's arms surround and hold you.