Prayerful and Practical

When my friend broke her wrist, she was grateful that many of her friends told her they’d pray. But she was especially blessed by those who helped her in practical ways. 

It made her evaluate her own attitude, and she realized she’d often failed to “love” her Christian friends in practical ways when they were facing difficulties. 

 

Scripture gave her further motivation. Paul emphasized love for the body of Christ in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, and in 4:9 he praised the church saying, “God himself has taught you to love one another.”

We’re told in Scripture that when sin is rampant in culture, “the love of many will grow cold” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭12). 

‬“The surrounding darkness will cause many to abandon wholehearted love for God and faithful love toward His people. Pressure, fear, compromise, and disappointment can harden hearts that once appeared devoted.” Study Bible 

My friend’s self-reflection encouraged me to do the same. Am I sensitive to the needs of my brothers and sisters in Christ? Am I letting God teach me how to love others as promised in 1 Thessalonians 4:9? Am I remembering the important message of the verses below?

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-26 

 

Prayer is important, but there are times it should be accompanied by practical actions to help others, “especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).  

 

 💙💙💙

 

For more insights, see The Prayer Excuse and Scripture Harmony.