Words and Actions

 

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” (Acts 2:5-11 ESV).

 

There is an old saying that “Actions speak louder than words.” I have known some people who seem to be full with the fruit of the Spirit. They are kind, gentle, joyful, and patient even in difficult circumstances. As people see this, they are attracted to them. This creates many opportunities to share their faith. I have also known some people who frequently pour out their heart to the Lord in prayer pleading for the advancement of the Gospel. The first group of folks are very effective in ministry, while the latter never quite seem to live up to their words. Their words are good, but their actions are empty. James had something to say about that:

 

 

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17 ESV).

 

The Spirit of God gave Jesus’ apostles the ability to speak in many languages on that day of Pentecost written about in our reading, and the same Spirit enables us to speak and to act in winsome ways today. Through the power of the Spirit, God’s kingdom is advancing, and he has called and equipped each of us to be his witnesses in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves.

 

Pentecost is a time to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. However, this celebration is not so much meant to be talked about as it is to be lived both in word and deed. By the power of the Spirit working through us, our words and fruit-filled actions are the tools God uses to build his kingdom.