In a society of words—social media, newscasts, news publications, the radio— words matter. In a faith steeped in words—the Scriptures, sermons, prayers, and songs—words matter.

But words have limitations.

Words can’t feed the hungry, only hands can do that. Words can’t offer a hope that sustains abandoned and lonely, only presence can do that. As powerful a force words may be, they bring lasting change only when they’re embodied.

Love has to look like something. To say I am a Christian is just words. Anyone can say that. To embody those words by how we love our neighbors, especially our vulnerable neighbors, well, that is something else all together. That is following Jesus.