James 2:14 “What good is it if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?”
The history of individual lives, families and even whole communities often swings on seeing the authentic gospel fleshed out in real life.
In 1883, a young clergyman called Joe Roberts went to work with the Indians of Wyoming. Things were tense because the son of Chief Washakie had recently been shot by a soldier in an altercation. Washakie had vowed to kill the first white man he met. Seeking to nip a potentially long-running feud in the bud, Roberts hiked fifteen miles into the mountains to Washakie’s tepee, opened his shirt, and called out: “I have heard of your vow. I know that the other white men have families, but I am alone. Kill me instead.” The chief couldn’t believe Roberts’ courage, so invited him in to talk. By the time Roberts left a few hours later, the chief of the Shoshones had renounced his vow to kill and resolved instead to become a follower of Christ. Soon other Shoshones took the same step. They had seen love in action.
People are watching us. Actions invariably do speak louder than words. Empty words are very cheap. Love is never invisible in its outworking. The unreached tribal community we have worked with in Burundi were strongly resistant to hearing about Jesus. So we didn’t preach. We asked them what they needed, and responded to those needs. Six months later, the previously antagonistic leader said: “I’ve seen enough, I want your Jesus.” Love in action is a powerful thing.
Offering to pray for someone is OK, but how about following through beyond prayer. Expressing sympathy is one thing, but putting yourself out for someone speaks a lot louder. Most days we will come across someone who needs a listening ear or a helping hand. Let’s not be too busy for them today.
Lord, please use me today to be the gospel to someone, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
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