Love in Action

by Melody Marie Pate
(January 18, 2005)

My heart’s beat had quickened, the blood flowing hot.

He said that he loved me and I repeated the phrase.
For a few golden moments my eyes matched my smile,
But love did not show in the look on his face.

His smile was there, but his eyes looked uncaring.
So I questioned his love and decided to wait,
To see if his actions spoke louder than phrases.
Now I am nauseous from the lies that I ate.

What of my own sweet words of endearment?
Do I love truly or do I, too, lie?
Are my expressions backed by my actions
Or merely dressed up hypocritical cries?

I say, “I love Jesus!” but how have I shown it?
Do my measures prove it? What do I give?
Great Cloud of Witnesses, do you believe it?
Is love for my Savior something I live?

Father, have mercy on me – a great sinner –
A hypocrite. Teaser. A cheater. A fake.
Teach me to love without selfish conditions.
A brand new beginning I’m willing to make!

Oh! How You love me with all that You are,
Although I’m a wretch and unworthy of You!
Oh! That I’d take from Your storehouse of grace
To give others love that’s perfect and true.

I’d love the unlovely, and walk one more mile,
And feed the ones starving for spiritual food.
I’d cover the naked and visit the jailbird,
And care for the shut-ins and orphans real good…

I’d also show mercy to ones who have wronged me;
And pray for my rivals. Show grace to my enemies.
True love pays kindness to those who throw insults.
How else would the ungodly be different from me?

Love, “unconditional,” sweetened with phrases,
Disappears like a vapor – without evidence.
As faith without works is dead in the water,
Love without action lacks providence.

Written by: Melody Marie Pate / January 18, 2005 / Used by permission