Love Shows Up

It’s easy to say we love people. It’s easy to feel love when things are going well. But biblical love is more than words and more than intention—love shows up. It steps into the mess. It takes time. It sacrifices comfort. It moves toward people instead of away from them.

1 John 3:16–18 says, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us… My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” That’s about as clear as it gets. Jesus didn’t just talk about love—He demonstrated it. He came near. He served. He gave. He stayed. He went all the way to the cross.

That’s the kind of love we’re called to live out. Love shows up in hospital rooms. Love shows up with a meal. Love is more than a text message that says, “I’m praying for you.” Love shows up when someone is grieving, when someone is struggling, when someone is lonely, even when you don’t know exactly what to say. Sometimes the greatest ministry isn’t advice. It’s presence.

And our kids need to see that. They’re learning what Christianity is by watching what we do. When they see mom and dad serving, checking on people, visiting, encouraging, and being consistent, they learn that love isn’t just a Bible word, it’s a Christian lifestyle. They learn that the church isn’t just a place we attend, it’s a family we care for.

This kind of love also reaches beyond our walls. People in our community notice when Christians show up. Not to be seen, but because we genuinely care. In a world full of “likes” and empty words, love that shows up is powerful.

So here’s the challenge as we close out this month: who needs you to show up? A hurting family. A discouraged teen. A shut-in. A visitor. A friend who’s been quiet lately. Don’t overthink it. Pray, reach out, and take the step.

Because real love isn’t just something we talk about.

Real love shows up!

Always remember—you are loved.

Eric

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