Saying, Doing, or Feeling?

The old saying attributed to Maya Angelou goes: 'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' It’s not from the Bible, but carries a lot of weight in our personal walk of faith. Are you a talker, a doer or someone that people like to be around because you have a warmth and believable integrity?

The world in all aspects has those who say and do things (sometimes), and then there are the true friends. Trusted friends. People you are naturally attracted to be beside in some way or another. The Bible has its own way of saying this in: John 13:34-35 (NLT) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

If you have ever been in love, and perhaps still are after many years, you will know that love is essentially a feeling. It is not what you say and do that matters most, but the lingering scent when all is said and done, that your love is convincing and real and true. We all know those who talk a good game, but are found wanting when it matters most. All the loud bluster in the world will not and cannot hold a candle to the force of someone who makes you feel loved. Another old saying is, “Empty vessels make the most noise.” Do you recognise the truth of these words? Do they remind you of anyone?

Why am I saying this? Simply because as Christians we have a responsibility to be Christ-like, or look like Christ to our family and friends. Who do you think has the better witness to the unchurched, unsaved, and those who just need to be convinced by the truth of a life lived in love, just like Jesus? The shouter? The one pointing to their own goodness and Bible knowledge? Or simply the one who embodies the Christ-life, and shows love in the Spirit of Jesus? The good news is that we all have the gift of love, so let’s decide to use it to full effect so that others will see Christ in us!