Loving others by our actions

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. - 1 John 3:16‭-‬19 NLT

What does it mean to love others by our actions? In 1 John 3:16‭ we are reminded that real love is sacrificing ourselves for others. I think of all the doctors, nurses, EMT, police officers, and firemen. I also think about all those who are still working to keep essential business open. They are putting themselves in harm's way during this pandemic. Many have gotten sick from COVID-19, many have died. Yet they keep doing it. 

A few weeks ago I read about a nurse that is in my area. She felt called to take care of those who had gotten sick from COVID-19.  It was not about what was in it for her. It was about taking care of others.

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. - James 2:26 NLT

Good works is not our ticket into eternity in heaven. They are an outward expression of our faith, of our love for God. If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior then we are also letting the Holy Spirit work in and through us. It will show in what we say and do. Those things will be done in love, not for what we can get out of it, but because we love God. We will be loving God and others through our actions.