Advent StudySample

Just as love leads to action, today’s Scripture reading reminds us that hearing should lead to doing! (James 1:22) Jesus taught that those who love Him and heard His words should also do them. This is the way of wisdom and faith that will not fail. We are known by our actions just as a tree is known by its fruit.

Joseph’s actions tell us so much about him. He is described as an ordinary man, whose love for Mary was evidenced by his intent to divorce her quietly, instead of making a spectacle. His passion for God was seen by his obedience to God’s direction. Though Scripture contains no spoken words from Joseph, his actions spoke loudly.

Love is more than a feeling; love is seen in action. Words mean very little if actions do not follow them. In 1 Corinthians 13:1–8, we are given a beautiful example of what it looks like to show love. Jesus told us, “God so loved the world that he sent his son” (John 3:16). Jesus came to be the perfect sacrifice who took away the sins of the world, and offered us salvation! This is how we grasp what is described in Ephesians 3:18 as the “breadth and length and height and depth” of the Father’s love.

Prayer: Father, thank you for loving me so much that you sent Jesus to redeem me. Help me hear your words and act on them.