Words hold significant importance in Christianity for professions of faith and worship, yet scriptural teachings emphasize that actions—such as acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God—are what truly fulfill God's commandments. Biblical examples, like those found in Micah and the teachings of Jesus, suggest that while verbal expressions can be powerful, it is the actions reflecting love and adherence to God's word that matter most in the Christian walk.
Words or Actions: What Truly Matters in the Christian Walk?
The Role of Words in Christianity
In the Christian faith, words hold significant importance. From confessing Jesus with your mouth to publicly declaring your rebirth, words are central. Many believers make sure that everyone knows they're Christians through their verbal expressions. Worship services have expanded into monumental gatherings where entire university teams learn to use words for praising and worshiping God. We often emphasize professing Jesus repeatedly through songs, prayers, and worship.
The Importance of Actions According to Scripture
Yet, what happens when we leave the building? What takes precedence then: words or actions? The Book of Micah provides insight into this matter. In Micah 6:8, God outlines what is necessary: "To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Here, "acting justly" is clearly an action, while "loving mercy" refers to a mindset or feeling toward merciful deeds, and "to walk humbly" is another action. God cherishes these actions.
Biblical Examples of Actions Over Words
Isaiah mentions that singing beautiful words without a sincere heart means nothing to God. Similarly, in Luke 11, a woman from the crowd exclaims, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that gave you suck," offering a poetic honor to Jesus and His mother. However, Jesus responds, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it." This response emphasizes actions—hearing and keeping God's word—over poetic professions.
The Balance Between Words and Actions
If Jesus visited our modern services with their extensive verbal devotions, would He appreciate those expressions or prioritize the act of hearing and keeping God's word? After all, the essence of God’s command is simple: love God and love your neighbor. It appears that actions, particularly those aligned with God’s word, carry more weight with Him than mere words alone.
