“Actions speak louder than words.” How many times have we heard this phrase? I have no doubt that in its conception, it was meant as encouragement to not just speak, but do. And I agree that in life, in faith, in child raising, we need to be diligent in living a life that matches and surpasses our declarations. However, we must be careful that this phrase, this idea, doesn’t become a reason to swing us too far in the other direction either.
We cannot assume that our children will know how much they are loved by us because they see us do their laundry or cook their meals or head off to work. We lay down and sacrifice so much for our children; we grow and we change and we struggle for them. But just as words alone would seem shallow without actions; so actions alone do not convey the depth of our love. My 5 year old daughter does not fully understand my husband’s love for her by the fact that he puts on his scrubs and heads off to work until midnight. But when he tells her how precious she is to him, how he would do anything for her, she lights up and gives him her sweetest smile. My 8 year old son does not always connect my fervor for his schoolwork for my belief in him, but when I tell him that I know that God has a big purpose for his life , and that I am determined to do everything I can to accomplish it, I see him sit up a little taller in his chair.
In the Bible, we don’t just see the Lord’s love for us by His actions. Yes, we see Him instruct, discipline, fight for, win for, and of course sacrifice for His sons and daughters, but all throughout the Bible he speaks of His love for us: Jeremiah 31:3, Isaiah 54:10, Ephesians 2:4 (just to name a very few of the so many). In the prophets, psalmists, servants, disciples and of course His Son, He reveals and connects His actions with His love. God Himself saw the importance of of speaking His love for His Son Jesus, out loud, twice! See His baptism (Matt 3:17 and Luke 3:21) and His Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5 and Luke 9:35). His love and affirmation were cemented through His words; they left no doubt. If God Himself does not just communication through His actions, then certainly we should not either.
Speak love and life over your children. Leave no room for doubt.
Through His Grace,
Emily Assell
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