Our Love Must Be Shown By Actions

1 John 3:18 "Dear Children, let us not love with word or tongue but with actions and the truth."

     Lord,this verse reminds me of a phrase from the musical "My Fair Lady"- Don't talk of love- show me!  Love is of no value until it has hands and feet.  We can "say" anything because words come easily to us and usually do not cost us anything.  But if our love is real, there will be sacrificial actions attached.
If I  hear of sickness- I should pray, but also volunteer to take that one to the doctor if they cannot take themselves, bring a meal  or offer child care.  If I hear of the death of a loved one- I should pray, but also be there to offer comfort, maybe meals and fellowship after the throng has left.  If I hear of a financial need , I should pray, but also give of my surplus and maybe sacrificially.  I might even be called to offer some sound financial training to help them to avoid the situation again.  If there is a brother or sister who is in error, I should pray, but also speak the truth in love to bring that one back into truth.
   I think all too often, Lord, I have good intentions, but do not follow through as I ought.  I get busy with my own "stuff" that I have to do and the opportunity to show love to that one slips by.  I don't really know why I let that happen except for selfishness.  We have been on the end of unfulfilled promises from our family in Christ for this self same reason, so You would think that I would be more diligent.  Oh Lord, forgive me, please.  Shake me from my selfishness and make me see the hurting around me that You want me to minister to, and don't leave me alone until I do.