"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other,
Let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

Actions speak louder than words. Can you hear your Mother saying that to you? I can! What you do says more than what you say. You don’t have to open your mouth and I know how you are feeling. You may be the only Jesus people meet or see. These thoughts have been ringing in my ears recently. Not that I’m having a particular problem with what I do (not that I know of!) but because we deal with the foreign language daily. I am constantly reminded that the Peruvians may not understand what I am try to say, but they are watching me!

So, what is it I’m really saying to them? I’ve never studied body language, but through the years I’m come to recognize some familiar signs that speak very clearly. Like the frown, folded arms, glare. The person looking over their shoulder, tapping fingers or breathing deep sighs. They all mean something and are sending a strong message. But what am I saying as I go about living life in San Juan de Lurigancho?

My embrace response to a friend at church, does it truly say I love you and am glad to be here? Does my smile indicate peace and happiness to another? Does my arm around someone tell them they are safe with me and I with them? Does the work of my hands show others that I’m here to serve? Does the time I take to try to understand someone indicate I care what they have to say? How do the people of Pachacutec know that I love them? How do the girls at Hope House (who have come from dysfunctional families) know they can trust me and I love them? How do the children and mothers at Pat’s Place (who have been abused and/or neglected) know that I care and love them? How do the Peruvians at the local Mercado perceive me? And my neighbors, what are their thoughts and comments about these Americans living next door? How do my new friends and acquaintances know much about me? By my actions!

I make the decision to daily (moment by moment) consider my actions and how they demonstrate my love for the Lord Jesus. Jesus was a servant who laid down everything for others, to show them His love. I am called to be like Jesus. Am I a vessel of His love?

Here’s a personal experience I want to share with you. I know that I know that Laura knows that I love her. We speak a different language. We are of a different generation. I just need to be myself with her and let her see Jesus in me. Does she? I believe she does. First of all, she is always welcome in my home whether I’m expecting her or not. She is warmly greeted with a hug and a kiss even when she has just walked a mile or so in the heat and is sweaty. She is like family, even encouraged to get a glass of juice from the refrigerator! She is trusted. We have left her in the apartment to run an errand in the past and she knows she has earned our trust. Her children climb up on my lap, have games in a basket here to play with, share their crackers with me and I share my cookies with them. Do I go out of my way for Laura and her family? I do. Does she do the same for us? She does. But this didn’t just happen. We have been building a relationship now for over two years. It began with both of us seeing an openness to be kind, friendly and loving towards each another. We do have more language (and communication) now. Our laughter has grown, as has our life experiences together and our love for one another.

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other,

Let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18 (NLT)