“Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 NIV)

The parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46) gives us a list of needs: hunger, thirst, sickness, shelter, clothes, imprisonment. Turn on the news and we’re hit with more. Natural disasters in foreign countries. Fundraisers for cancer victims. Pleas to help victims of human trafficking.

Scripture is clear. Love works best as a verb, but how to get started? The needs overwhelm me. It’s like when my kids’ rooms are a wreck and the task is so daunting, they don’t know where to start—so they don’t.

This week, I get started. I move from thought to action.

My short list comes from James again, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress . . .” (James 1:27)

Widows and orphans. Local and global. Local widows sound like a slam dunk because both my mom and mother-in-law fit the bill, but carving out additional time will be my challenge as I put faith into practice. Orphans will take some research, but our local church makes a great launching pad.

So, how about you? Are you thinking or doing? Do you need a nudge to get started? Choose one thing, group, or cause that tugs at your heart and commit to action today. Please share your favorites with us. Let’s put a face, feet, and hands to our faith and do.

Questions:

Do you have trouble moving from conviction to action?

What helps you get there?

What stirs your heart?

What resources has God given you?

What’s your plan?

Family Application:

Discuss the verse in James about listening and doing.

Pray about how the family can be obedient and see what God brings to the forefront.

What game plan do you see forming?

What do you hope to teach your kids?

Tweetables:

Love works best as a verb. Click To Tweet
Put a face, feet, and hands to our faith and do. Click To Tweet