Where Is the Love? with Gwen Franklin – Reflections from Oikeo Call #24

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

– 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

 

This month’s Oikeo Prayer Call (#24) welcomed Gwen Franklin as our guest speaker, bringing a powerful and

 much-needed discussion on love in action. Gwen, a devoted educator, speaker, and author, has spent her life teaching and inspiring others to walk in faith and purpose. You can learn more about her journey and work here.

The question that guided this call was simple yet profound: What is love in action?

Love in Action: A Choice, Not Just a Feeling

Love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a decision. Gwen shared this definition:

“Love is the will, the choice, to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing another’s spiritual growth.”

This means that real love requires effort, sacrifice, and intention. It’s not passive or conditional—it’s something we actively choose, even when it’s difficult. Love in action means showing up, extending grace, and seeking to uplift others in their faith.

The Biblical Standard of Love

The discussion drew heavily from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV), which defines love at its core:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

This passage reminds us that love isn’t about how we feel—it’s about how we act. In a world where love is often distorted, this scripture brings us back to God’s original design for love. Love is patient even when people disappoint us. Love is kind even when others are unkind. Love forgives and continues to hope, even when circumstances seem discouraging.

Where is the Love?

This question resonates in many areas of our lives—our relationships, our workplaces, and even within the church. Are we demonstrating God’s love, or are we only expecting to receive it? Gwen challenged us to examine our hearts and actions, asking:

• How am I actively extending love to those around me?
• Am I loving unconditionally, or do I expect something in return?
• How can I nurture someone’s spiritual growth this week?

God’s Love as Our Example

Love isn’t just something we give—it’s something we first receive from God. 1 John 4:19 (NIV) says, “We love because he first loved us.” The only way we can truly love others is by experiencing the depth of God’s love for us.

Gwen emphasized that when we understand God’s love, we can freely extend it to others. His love never fails and calls us to rise above selfishness, fear, and resentment.

The Takeaway

Love in action is more than words—it’s a willingness to extend ourselves to nurture someone else’s faith journey. It requires patience, grace, and a heart rooted in God’s example of unconditional love.

As we reflect on this call, let’s commit to being intentional about showing love, not just speaking it. In our families, friendships, and communities, let’s be living examples of God’s love in action.

Hear the full call below.