I constantly say that we should not necessarily tell people about the Lord with words, but rather by our actions. As the saying goes: example is better than precept. 

It’s easier to follow the actions of others than to copy their words. And to make matters worse, someone might even say. “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.” It just confuses people; especially children. 

I spent time with friends and their friends. We had a great time, and we enjoyed the people’s company. Later I discovered that the couple weren’t believers. They used to go to church but were so hurt that they no longer believed at all. 

Talking to those people and trying to persuade them to reconsider their decision would most likely not work. The hurt done to them spoke too loudly and caused too much damage. 

As I lay in bed the next morning I wondered if my actions had planted a seed of doubt, urging them to reconsider their decision not to believe. Or did my actions make them sleep peacefully over their decision to say goodbye to their faith in God? 

The Word of God encourages women who do not have believing husbands to always live their faith practically. 2There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, 3will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. 4What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition. This of course applies to men whose wives are not religious either. 

 It so happened that I officiated a young man who loved his new wife very much. They fitted together like a glove. His parents were believers, but, unfortunately, the woman came from a home where her parents had no faith in God. 

In our discussions as the marriage drew near, we repeatedly touched faith, but because this was not part of her upbringing, she could not join in the conversation or even ask questions. 

I, therefore, explained to her husband what a huge task he had as a man of faith to show her what Jesus’ love really meant. Through his actions, his wife had to experience it personally. 

Of course, this applies not only in marriage, but in all relationships. At work, people must be able to see and experience that we are different. They must be able to experience through our actions what it means to believe in God. 

God’s miracle must become visible in the world through our actions. Words are buzzing in people’s heads these days, because there are so many fake stories. Words arise and disappear in the dark, without making any impact. But actions go a long way, they make an impact, and accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit can open people’s eyes and change lives. 

Scripture
1 Peter 3:1-7 

Reflection
What do your words look like?
How do your actions look?
Do people see the wonder of God in your actions? 

Prayer
Father, I know that my actions are not always right. Please forgive me and help me tell others about You through my actions. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.