2. Introduction:  Gary Chapman, the author of “The 5 Love Languages” highlights the following five aspects about a loving, healthy and growing relationship.

3.  Likewise the Bible teaches about love in action. 1 John 3:17-18 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

4. 1. Love in Deed & Truth 1 John 3:18 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed & truth.  We as children of God are to love God and people…

5. Mark 12:30-31 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all our heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 the second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  But this love is more than the loving thought, intentions or even word.

6.  God’s love is a ‘love in action’ as we see in the giving of His son, Jesus Christ.

9. 2. The Test of Love 1 John 3:17 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?  This is the biblical scale to measure the authenticity of our love for God & people.

10.  A child of God may see and be in a position to assist someone in need.  But we can choose to assist or not to assist and ‘close our hearts.’

13.  The parable of the good Samaritan is a classic illustration of the test of ‘love in action’.

15.  We are called to reveal the tangible love of God through our loving actions.

16. Conclusion  We are God’s instruments of love in our family, community and nation.