I’ve known some “big talkers” in my lifetime. Some of these acquaintances spoke of grandiose plans for their future, only to fizzle out when action was required. Others would spout off accomplishments, but in reality, they were riding on someone's coattails and attempting to take credit for someone else’s work. I try hard not to be too judgmental or dismissive of these folks, but I’ve been burned too many times by people with little or no follow-through.

This verse emphasizes the importance of translating feelings of love into tangible acts of kindness, service, and compassion, demonstrating a love that is authentic and not merely superficial. It suggests that simply talking about love, or expressing it verbally, is not enough. True love is demonstrated through actions that reflect the love one claims to have. This could involve offering practical assistance, providing support, or donating to a cause. Or maybe it could be about forgiving someone who has wronged you, choosing to let go of resentment and choose love over bitterness. In addition, it could involve putting the needs of others before your own and helping them in a genuine way. Just talking about it doesn’t make it happen.

Our own church has taken this verse to heart. Greta Smith, Jim Stovall, and others talked about additional ways to reach out and spread the Gospel. After talking about it, they decided to do the work and started “Grace for All” podcasts with daily devotionals. Several years ago, a group of members saw the need in the community for food and fellowship. They talked about it, then took action and started Welcome Table, which has been going strong for many years. And when Jill Pope saw a need to help caregivers of dementia patients, she didn’t just talk about the need; she researched, collaborated with the pastoral staff and other church members, and took action. We now have Daybreak Dementia Respite, giving caregivers the break that they need to avoid burnout. I am so grateful for these genuine expressions of love.

My hope is that we continue to spot needs and not just talk about it, but become Christians of action.

Dear Lord, We are so grateful that you are a God of Action, not just words. Help us to follow Your lead and continue to be a church of Love and Truth by taking the initiative to do good deeds, not just talk about it. Amen.

This devotional was written by Virginia Hardwick Kerr and read by Judy Wilson.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

In this passage, which actually starts in the previous chapter, Paul seems to be in the thicket of a heavily theological discussion. That happens to Paul occasionally. He attempts to explain some of the finer points of Christianity to new converts. Paul has such zeal for his beliefs that the words and phrases come tumbling out.

Has someone actually suggested to Paul that people who believe in Christ should continue to sin – so that they can continue to receive God’s saving grace? In the previous chapter in Romans, Paul has said that where sin is great, so is grace. There have, indeed, been people who have argued that God’s salvation is so wonderful that we should obtain it continually by sinning often and then being forgiven.

But Paul says forgiveness and grace are not the endpoint. They are, in fact, the beginning. The beginning of a new life. That life is in Christ. Just as Christ died and was resurrected, we too just die. We should die to sin. We can then be raised from that death into a new life. That is a life where sin and sinning have much less appeal because we have experienced something far more satisfying.

Once raised, are we free from sin? Not completely. We may stumble and fall along the way. When we do, there is grace sufficient for our renewal. But our focus will be on a new life—one where Christ is the center. And that new life will change our attitude and our behavior.

Let us pray. God in heaven, give us a deeper understanding of the renewal and new life that you have provided for us with the death and resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

In this parable, Jesus uses the word abide to talk about our relationship to him. Abide, in this setting, is a rich word meaning to stay in fellowship or union with Christ. The metaphor of the vine and the branch helps to drive this message home. Grapes can only grow and bear fruit if connected to the vine.

What does abiding mean for us? For me, it is a reminder that I need to ask Jesus for help, not just when things are hard, but at all times. It is a way of connecting faith with action.

I have been told I am too self-reliant. For this reason, I am loath to ask for help. This is true from handyman chores around the house to my faith. Too often, I find myself believing that I have all the tools I need, in faith, to accomplish much for God. When these feelings bubble up to the surface, I start feeling a little too proud of myself for something I did, in the name of Jesus, and what results have happened. Then I remember this verse and realize the fruit of the results would not have happened without Jesus’ help. Then an even more sobering thought comes to mind. Would the harvest have been better if I had asked for help from God and others? This, I remember, is what it means to abide. Sadly. The answer is almost always yes. To abide, to be in fellowship with God and others, means having an awareness that I need help and asking for it.

The other day, a situation happened to drive that point home. A light switch needed to be replaced. I knew how to do it, but I didn’t have all the tools necessary for accomplishing the task safely. I knew my son had what I needed, which I asked to borrow. He said, “Don’t worry, I will be over in a few minutes and replace it.” As he was accomplishing the task, I had to admit to feeling unsettled. I didn’t like feeling like I needed help. I wanted to do it myself. But, as he finished, he turned and smiled and said, “Glad I could help.” I realized just then I had given him a gift. He felt blessed to be able to help. In asking for and receiving help, something more than a light switch was fixed.

I see God relating to us in much the same way. When we let go of our need to be in control and turn and ask for help and guidance, God rejoices, for now we are abiding in God. Our faith, our work, and God’s love and direction come together, and something better happens. Others get involved, and the Kingdom of God expands in love and joy.

So remember, you don’t have to go it alone in faith or in life. Ask for help, see how you are connected, abiding with others and with God, and rejoice at the fruit those connections bring.

Loving God, we do want to abide in you, to be in a deep and fruitful relationship. Remind us that to do this, we need to humble ourselves and ask for help, and for guidance, for it is only then that you are at the center of our lives and we find the way to produce abundant fruit for you and the world. AMEN.

This devotional was written by Bill Green and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the...