Show Then Tell
Love is proven most powerfully through what we do, not just what we say
Some of my favorite conversations ever happened while driving with my daughters when they were little. They had a habit of asking a very important question:
“Dad… who do you love more? Me or Brooklyn?”
I’d usually mess with them and say I loved our dog Bear the most—because he listened, didn’t make messes, and only needed one toy. That never went over well. One day, I switched it up and said, “I love the one who loves me the most.”
That sparked a full-on debate in the backseat for the rest of the drive.
Those moments always reminded me of a poem my mom used to share with us growing up. It left a lasting impression on me and taught one of the most important lessons about love I’ve ever learned.
Which Loved Best – Joy Allison
“I love you, Mother,” said little John;
Then forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
Leaving his mother the wood to bring.“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell,
“I love you more than tongue can tell.”
Then she teased and pouted full half the day,
Till her mother was glad when she went to play.“I love you, Mother,” said little Fan,
“Today I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!”
And she rocked the babe till he fell asleep.
Then stepping softly, she took the broom,
And swept the floor, and dusted the room.
Busy and happy all day was she;
Helpful and happy as a child could be.“I love you, Mother,” again they said,
Three little children going to bed.
How do you think their mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?
That final question says everything.
Love Is Shown More Than It’s Said
This poem teaches a simple but powerful truth:
Love is best expressed through action.
Words matter — we all need to hear them — but actions are what give words credibility.
I saw this growing up with my grandparents. Their love for each other was constant and quiet. They served each other, watched out for one another, and found small ways every day to make life easier. That love overflowed into how they loved me — through time, handmade gifts, meals, notes, and shared laughter.
Love shows up.
Christ’s Definition of Love
Jesus taught this principle plainly:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
He didn’t say talk about loving me or feel loving toward me.
He said show it.
And He reinforced it again:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father.”
Love — real love — is always connected to action.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Kids: Want your parents to feel loved? Show them. Help without being asked. Do something thoughtful — then say “I love you.”
Married or dating: Before saying the words, do something loving. A note. A small sacrifice. A quiet act of care.
Parents: Don’t just tell your kids you love them — spend time with them. Play. Listen. Be present.
With God: Serve someone today. Lift someone who’s struggling. Offer kindness. Then tell God you love Him — and notice how it feels after you’ve shown it.
Today’s Daily Challenge
Choose one person today — anyone — and use the “show then tell” approach.
Do something loving first. Then, if you choose, say the words.
Pay attention to how differently love is received when it’s backed by action.
You can find more daily devotionals here:
👉 https://joshdowns.com/daily-devotionals
And weekly gospel-based lessons for teens here:
👉 https://joshdowns.com/come-follow-me-for-teens
Sometimes the smallest actions speak the loudest love.
