I have growing appreciation for John’s (the apostle) Greek usage. I don’t speak or read Greek, so I rely on experts. A few months ago I learned where John made up a Greek word to describe faith (as “leaning toward”).
This week I was listening to a speaker (now this may have been Jesus’ use of Aramaic, which also I don’t speak) who talked about a command Jesus left us recorded in John where he changed a noun into a verb. “Love one another,” he said.
You are not in love; you do love.
There is an old Christian folk song, “Love is something you do; love is something you do. Not always something that you feel, but it’s real.”
Modern psychological researchers have discovered something that Jesus already knew. In fact, it’s also ancient wisdom. Actions come first, feelings follow. Even if you don’t feel loving, your actions will lead you to be loving.
What cost is a smile? No matter how you feel. When your smile is reflected back to you, your spirits are lifted.
When you serve others–maybe just opening a door for a harried mother, or buying a meal for someone, or giving your coat to a homeless person–that loving feeling follows.
Now let’s go out and live into Jesus’ command. Love others.
Faith Venture 
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