“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”       James 1:22 NKJV

“Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”” Matthew 22:37-38 NIV

In James, we are told that we shouldn’t just listen to or hear the word of God, but that we should be “doers”.  And in Matthew, Jesus tells us that we are to love the Lord our God with everything we are. And we are to love other people and treat them as we would like to be treated. These are the two greatest commandments that Jesus gives us.

How many of you have learned about verbs in school? A verb is usually an action word, something you do: like ride a bike, write a letter, hug your mom, sing a song, or play a sport. First I want you to think of some verbs, action words, that you can use to love the Lord your God. What can you do for God? Write down a least three, I’ll give you a minute.

Ok, now share them with your parents and ask them to think of a couple more. Here are some of the ones I came up with. Do we have some the same? Pray, thank, worship, sing, love, praise, and share. Use your actions and be a doer!

Now, think of some action words that you can use to love your family, neighbors, friends, and people in your community. What can you do for someone else? Write down at least three verbs.

Now share these with your parents and ask them to think of a couple more. How many did you get? Here are a few I thought of: draw a cheerful picture for someone, read a story to a younger child, wash the dishes for your mom, carry food to someone who’s hungry, give your old clothes to someone who could use them, work with your dad, send a card to someone who lives alone, and share Jesus with a friend. Use your actions and be a doer!

This week pick at least one action off of each of your lists (one for God and one for others) and do them! Share with your parents what you choose and maybe they can be doers with you! When you are a doer of the word, you shine the light of Jesus for others to see.

Blessings and love, as you use your actions and become a doer of the word!