Love in action: When Faith gets Dusty

 

1 John 3:18

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21

“But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”

1 Timothy 5:3

“Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.”

Romans 13:8

“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”

Love in Action: When Faith Gets Dusty

In 1 John 3:18, we are called to love in Aletheia (Greek: ἀλήθεια), meaning “truth” or “reality.” This kind of love isn’t theoretical or convenient—it shows up. It has weight. It gets its hands dirty. Sometimes, it even has mud in the wheel wells.

Recently, we had the opportunity to live that out. We didn’t just offer kind words—we chose action. We drove down roads others might have avoided to meet a real need in a real way. That is love in truth.

Now, the story has turned, and we find ourselves in need.

We are facing a $2,000 repair on a $2,200 income. In the natural, the math simply doesn’t work. But God’s economy has never been limited by human equations.

Romans 13:8 reminds us that the only debt we are meant to carry is the debt of love. And love, when sown, is never wasted. It may not return in the same form or on our expected timeline, but God sees every seed.

Right now, we are in a season of Chreia (Greek: χρεία)—a word meaning “necessity” or a real, pressing need. This is not hypothetical; it is daily, tangible dependence.

And here is where the beauty of the Body of Christ shines.

In 1 Timothy 5:3, the word “honor” comes from Timao (τιμάω), which means to assign value—to tangibly support, to care in a way that costs something. It’s not just kind thoughts; it’s meaningful action.

We have experienced that kind of love.

Karen has shared her van so we can get to hospital labs and scans.

Kathy made sure we could get to church.

Rick and Sara made sure we got home.

Kathy picked us up for Bible study, prayer meeting and to help the pantry with delivery day.

Dee brought us out for pizza and then took us home.

This is the Church in motion. This is love in truth.

And we are deeply, humbly grateful.

As we walk through this trial, we are also called to Dokimazo (δοκιμάζω)—to examine, test, and discern. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Not everything about this situation is good—but God is. His provision is. His faithfulness is.

The car may be failing—but God is not.

He is still the God who brought water from the rock in the wilderness. He is still the God who provides in impossible places. And if He could supply for an entire nation in the desert, He is more than able to provide the 80 gallons we need for our home and our animals.

This season is stretching us—but it is also revealing something sacred:

Love given.

Love received.

Love sustained by God Himself.

Father God,

Thank You for showing us what real love looks like—not just in words, but in action and truth. Thank You for allowing us to both give and receive that kind of love.

You see our needs before we even speak them. You know the numbers that don’t add up, the stress that tries to creep in, and the weight of daily responsibilities. And yet, You remain faithful.

Help us to trust You more deeply in this season of Chreia. Strengthen our hearts to continue loving, even when we feel stretched. Remind us that nothing sown in love is ever wasted.

Bless those who have come alongside us—those who have given, driven, helped, and supported. Return to them abundantly for their kindness.

We place every need into Your hands, knowing You are our Provider, our Sustainer, and our Peace.

In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

B.O.B.B.A.

Believe – God sees our needs and is already making a way.

Obey – Continue to love in action, even when it’s costly.

Be Blessed – Receive help with humility and gratitude.

Be a Blessing – When your season shifts, pour out what was poured into you.

Amen – Trust that God’s provision is already in motion.

Love, Penny 💛