How is love shown? First, by intention. Second, by verbal expression. Third is by action. In other words, we can love people in our minds, and nobody knows about that love except God and the one who loves.
We can also show good deeds by our words. So from the mind, the expression goes to our lips. That is very encouraging, to hear somebody say to us that we are loved, that they are grateful, that we are appreciated. Such words bring consolation. But the third expression of loving is by action. The love comes from the mind, not always from the lips, but certainly, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
The leper wanted to receive healing from the Lord. But he would have been satisfied with the intention of Jesus because he said, “If you will it, I can be cured. You don’t even have to say it. You don’t even have to touch me. Just by willing it in your mind, I know I will be cured.”
Jesus would not be satisfied with simply willing the healing of the leper in His mind. He touched the leper and said, “I do will it. Be cured.” Saying it with His lips, saying it to this person what was in His mind and heart, Jesus healed the leper.
We have so many things in our minds. We have said so many things we don’t actually mean. Today, let us ask the Lord for the gift of consistency. May what we think, say, and do always be consistent and in agreement in any of these. May there be no contradiction in any leg.
May what we think, may what we say, and what we do, form a total unity without any contradiction.
HOW TO LOVE
Lk. 5:12-16
Love Like Jesus
