By Pastor Dave
How does my wife know I love her? By my words alone? No. We can say anything and repeat it often, but if it is not backed by actions it means nothing. My wife knows I love her because I tell her often and I back it up with actions. I do things for her, I buy things for her, I make meals for her and I look for ways to please her. I place her above all others in my life. I do not cheat on her. I do not flirt with other women.
How does God know you love Him? By your words only? James 2:17 says (NAS) Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. The same way my wife knows I love her is the same way God knows I love Him. Not in words only, but in action. I put Him first. I read and study daily. I pray daily. I work to do things I know will please Him. I attend church. I give into His Kingdom. I listen for His speaking to me and I obey Him. I am not always perfect at this, but I am making a major effort. These actions show God when I say I love Him, I mean it.
If you say you love God, but spend no time with Him, spend little to no time in His word (the Bible), do not trust Him with your money, and/or put other things above Him, you are showing Him you do not truly love Him.
Words and actions prove what we truly believe. True love is a verb.