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Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth 1 John 3:18

Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick once shared this story from his childhood. One Sunday morning, as his father was heading out the door, he told Harry’s mother, "Tell Harry that he can cut the grass today, if he feels like it." Then, halfway down the walk, his father turned back and added, "And tell Harry that he had better feel like it."

How many times have we found ourselves waiting to feel like doing something good before we actually do it? We tell ourselves we need to feel inspired to read the Bible, feel joyful to help someone, or feel motivated to serve. But if we always waited for the perfect feeling, a lot of good things would never get done.

The truth is, action often comes before feeling. Starting is usually the hardest part, but once we take that first step, our attitude begins to shift. When we step out in faith — whether by serving someone, praying for a friend, forgiving someone who hurt us, or simply lending a hand — God meets us there. He not only works through us to bless others, but he works in us, reshaping our hearts along the way.

That’s why the apostle John reminds us not to love with words or good intentions alone, but "with actions and in truth." Love that just sits around waiting to "feel right" isn’t really love at all. Real love gets busy. Real love takes action.

So, if there’s something good you know you should do, don't wait until you’re in the perfect mood. Pick up the phone. Open your Bible. Lend that helping hand. Write that encouraging note. Say that prayer. Take that step. You might be surprised how often your heart follows when your hands take the lead — and how much your joy, your faith and your love will grow with every act of obedience.

Father, help me not to wait around for the perfect feeling before I act. Teach me to step forward in faith, knowing that you will shape my heart as I obey. Thank you for loving me not just with words, but with action — and help me to love others the same way. In Jesus’ name, amen.