Resurrection to Mission: Living the Ancient FaithSample

Day 12: Love In Deed and Truth

Let’s make this practical. During this Apostles’ Fast, let’s challenge ourselves to “fast with your feet” - to act in ways that carry the Gospel beyond ourselves. “Let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18 NKJV)

Here are ideas:

• Extend an invitation to visit someone experiencing loneliness, offering companionship and a listening ear. Consider those in your community who might be isolated due to age, illness, or circumstance, and bring them the presence of Christ through genuine friendship and care. (James 1:27; Psalm 68:6; Matthew 25:36)
• Initiate a prayer circle within your workplace, providing a dedicated space for colleagues to offer support, share intentions, and seek spiritual guidance together. Ensure inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs, creating a place where God’s peace and unity can flourish. (Matthew 18:20; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1–2)
• Seek opportunities to share your personal testimony or faith journey with a friend in a natural and authentic way, recounting experiences that have shaped your spiritual understanding and connection. Let your story be a living witness to the hope and transformation found in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 66:16; Mark 5:19)
• Dedicate yourself to establishing and maintaining a consistent spiritual routine, which may include practices such as prayer, scripture reading, meditation, or acts of service, fostering ongoing spiritual growth and reflection. Let these habits draw you closer to God and equip you for daily mission. (Psalm 119:105; Daniel 6:10; Acts 17:11)
• Volunteer at a local shelter, food bank, or community outreach. Offer your time and presence to serve those who are hungry, homeless, or in need, embodying Christ’s compassion in tangible ways. (Matthew 25:35; Romans 12:20)
• Write a note or message of encouragement to someone struggling. Take a moment to lift up a friend, family member, or even a stranger with words of hope and affirmation, letting them know they are not alone. (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 12:15)
• Practice reconciliation by reaching out to someone with whom you’ve had conflict. (Matthew 5:23-24)
  Seek forgiveness, offer peace, or simply open the door to renewed relationship, following Christ’s call to be peacemakers. (Ephesians 4:32; 2 Corinthians 5:18)
• Host a meal or coffee for someone new or lonely. Extend hospitality to a neighbor, newcomer, or someone from a different background, creating space for genuine connection and welcome. (1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2)
• Simplify your meals and donate the savings to someone in need or to a charitable cause. Let your fasting become generosity, turning what you withhold from yourself into a blessing for others.(Isaiah 58:6–7; Romans 12:13)
• Fast from negativity, gossip, or complaining. Choose to speak words of blessing and gratitude, building others up and creating an atmosphere of encouragement wherever you go. (Philippians 2:14–15; Colossians 4:6)
• Read through the Book of Acts during the Fast. Let the story of the early Church’s Spirit-led mission inspire your own journey of faith and action. (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:105)
• Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and show you someone to serve. Pause to listen for His promptings, and be attentive to unexpected opportunities for kindness and witness. (Proverbs 3:5–6; Galatians 5:25)
• Organize a group to pray for your church, city, or those in need. Intercede together for unity, healing, and the spread of the Gospel, trusting that the Spirit works powerfully through communal prayer. (Matthew 18:19; Colossians 4:2)

Mentor or encourage someone younger in the faith. Share your experience, pray for them, and walk alongside them as they grow in Christ. (2 Timothy 2:2; Matthew 28:19–20)

St. John Cassian: “Let your fast be made perfect by works of mercy and acts of love.” (Conferences, Conference 21, Chapter 9)

When you enter a room, a workplace, or a community, you bring the Holy Spirit with you. By living in love, peace, and repentance, you can drive out darkness and bring Christ’s light to others. One person, filled with the Spirit, can transform an entire environment.

Reflection: What practical step can you take this week to live out your faith in action?

Today’s Challenge: Choose one practical action from today’s devotional (visit someone, start a prayer circle, share your testimony, commit to a spiritual routine, volunteer, reconcile, share a meal, give generously, fast from negativity, read Acts, pray for others, or mentor someone) and do it this week.

Prayer: Lord, let my fasting lead to acts of mercy and love. Lead me into new acts of love and mission. Move me beyond words to deeds, so that my life may be a living sacrifice, pleasing to You and a blessing to others. Let me be Your hands and feet in the world. Amen.

The Apostles’ Fast isn’t just about abstaining; it’s about filling our lives with the Spirit and letting His love overflow into action. Will you accept the challenge? Will you let the Spirit lead you to bring hope, healing, and joy to others? The world awaits Christ’s light - we are His hands and feet.