One of the most famous passages in the Bible, I Corinthians 13, is known as “The Love Chapter.” It seems to be one that finds itself cross stitched on many pillows and framed on many walls.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (I Corinthians 13:4-7).

One of the things I notice when I read it is that nowhere does it say what love feels like. Much of society and popular culture talks about love like a feeling that comes and goes. But love is described here by what it does. Love is action. And love without action isn’t love at all. Even just saying, “I love you” isn’t enough.

This is made very clear when we read, “love is kind.” Real kindness results in action. Kindness means that you care about someone so much that you do everything in your power to help them.

“But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help--how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (I John 3:17-18 NLT).

First, it begins with our eyes. We can’t help people if we don’t notice that they need help. How many times do we walk by or ignore a hurting person because we are too self-absorbed? (Think about who was NOT kind in the story of the Good Samaritan.) Being kind begins with awareness. If you really want to be kind, start actively searching for opportunities to help others.

Second, kindness moves from our eyes to our heart. It’s not enough to just notice that someone is hurting. God wants us to have genuine compassion for someone who is suffering. Besides, if we really have empathy, I think we will do that much more to help. (Notice again who did NOT help in the story of the Good Samaritan.)

Third, kindness moves from our heart to our hands. It’s not enough to merely notice that someone needs help. Or even to really care that they are hurting. Most of the time, true kindness results in action. I should add here, that it needs to be correct action. Sometimes what feels like kindness, may not actually help at all. (Like giving a child too many sweets or an alcoholic money that will be spent on alcohol.) Enabling people to destroy themselves is not kindness. It can be very difficult however to tell the difference. Here we must pray for discernment.

One more thing about the good Samaritan: Notice that when Jesus was explaining who our neighbor was that we should love, the example of love he describes is kindness.

Therefore, dear friends, as God leads you, have searching eyes, a caring heart and a helping hand.