“I’d rather see a good sermon than hear one any day.” – Edward A. Guest
The small church had never been this full. Every pew was packed, people stood along the walls, and some even gathered in the back. It seemed like the whole town had come to say goodbye to Mr. Williams.
Most people at church had known him as the quiet, humble man who greeted everyone at the door every Sunday morning. He never said much, just a warm smile and a handshake. A faithful servant who had done the same small job for many years.
But as people stepped forward to share their memories, it became clear that Mr. Williams had been so much more.
A young man spoke first. “When my dad passed away, Mr. Williams came by my house and just sat with me. He didn’t try to fix anything – he just listened. And he kept showing up, making sure I wasn’t alone.
A single mother stood next. “For years, Mr. Williams would come by to mow my lawn in the summer and rake the leaves in the fall. He never wanted anything in return – just a cold glass of iced tea.”
A middle-aged man wiped his eyes before speaking. “I went through a tough battle with cancer a few years ago. Most people didn’t know. But somehow, Mr. Williams found out, and he started visiting me in the hospital. He would always bring me a magazine to read, and sometimes he’d sneak a candy bar by the nurses and give it to me without them finding out.” (laughter) “You know, he would just sit in the chair next to my bed, talk with me about stuff, and pray with me. I’ll never forget that.. I’ll never forget him.”
On and on, the stories came. Some were simple acts of kindness, others revealed deep sacrifices of time and love. But all pointed to the same truth: Mr. Williams hadn’t just talked about loving others; he had lived it.
When the pastor finally stepped up, nearly three hours had passed and nary a soul had left the church. He looked out at the crowd and smiled. “I had a few things prepared to say about our friend, but I realize now – I didn’t know him nearly as well as I thought I did. And yet, we all knew him in the way that mattered most.”
He opened up his Bible and read: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Love is more than words. It’s more than good intentions. Real love – the kind that comes from God – shows up in the way we live our lives.
Mr Williams didn’t make big speeches about love. He simply served. He showed up. He paid attention to people who were often overlooked, people who were hurting, and met their needs in quiet, humble ways. His life was a sermon.
It’s easy to say we love others, but love is proven through action. A kind word, a helping hand, a quiet sacrifice – these are the things that reveal the heart of Christ.
You don’t have to be a preacher, teacher, or someone in the spotlight to make a difference. You just have to be faithful in the small things. A visit. A prayer. A candy bar. A simple act of kindness that no one else sees but God.
Who in your life needs love in action today? Maybe it’s a neighbor who needs a helping hand. A friend who’s struggling. A family member who just needs to know they’re not alone.
Ask God to open your eyes to those opportunities. Then, like Mr. Williams, go and love them. Not just with words, but with actions and in truth.
Former Blackout Artist 