1 John 3:18 – “My children, let us not love one another in word and in tongue (talk), but in deeds and truth (walk).”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, a thought kept echoing in my head and heart.  “Talk or walk.”   1 John 1:6 – “He who says (talk) he abides in Him (Jesus) ought himself to walk (live) even as walked (lived).”

The Book of 1 John is filled with references and examples of this thought: “talking or walking.”   It is easy to profess something.  It is easy to claim allegiance and self-identify.  But, if the life (walk) is not consistent with the talk, the talk becomes foam and fluff and not genuine.

Our attitude toward others reveals our heart.  We can say we love others, but if we cringe at the mention of their name, do we really love them?  We talk, but our hearts reveal the truth, and it manifests in our walk.

We can profess to love God (talk), but if our motivation is to gain possession or position, our walk belies that profession.   1 John 3:18 – “My children, let us not love one another in word and in tongue (talk), but in deeds and truth (walk).”

If our walk and our talk are consistent with the Word, we have peace, and out of that peace, we have confidence in God.  If we truly love God, we reject hate and walk in obedience to God’s Word.  Love conquers the world, the flesh, and the devil.  When the walk and the talk are consistent, we are Victorious!

1 John 1:9-11 capsulizes it – If we claim (talk) to love God but harbor animosity toward a brother (walk), we deceive ourselves.  John calls it living a lie.

Lord, help our talk be confirmed by our walk.  Help us to purify ourselves so that we can manifest You in what we say and what we do.  Please help us be lights shining in the darkness.  Let the words of our mouths, the meditation of our hearts, and how we live please You.  Please help us to talk the talk and walk the walk!

May the LORD help us to Walk what we Talk and Live as Examples of His Love, Mercy, and Grace!