Day 28 — John, Son of Thunder

“Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.”

— 1 John 3:18 (BSB)

When Jesus first called John and his brother James, He gave them a nickname: Boanerges, which means “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). That tells you something about them! They were loud, bold and fiery. They had big tempers.

Once, when a village refused to welcome Jesus, James and John were furious. They asked Jesus, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” (Luke 9:54). They wanted to wipe out a whole village! But Jesus turned and rebuked them. That’s not how He wanted His followers to act.

But something happened to John as he followed Jesus. He was with Jesus for years. He saw how Jesus loved people. He saw Jesus wash his feet. He stood at the cross and watched Jesus die. He ran to the empty tomb. John started calling himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”

And slowly, the “Son of Thunder” became one of the most loving men in the Bible.

Many years later, when John was an old man, he wrote letters to Christians. And they’re full of love. “Beloved, let us love one another.” “God is love.” And today’s verse: “Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.”

The same guy who once wanted to call down fire on a village became the apostle of love. What changed him? Spending time with Jesus.

John’s story is great news for guys with big tempers, strong personalities and a lot of fire. Jesus doesn’t want to put your fire out. He wants to point it in the right direction. John stayed bold. He preached fearlessly and was even sent to prison for his faith. But his boldness was now full of love.

And notice what John says about love. Real love isn’t just “word and speech,” just saying “I love you” or “I care.” Real love shows up in action: helping, serving, giving, forgiving and being there.

If Jesus could change a Son of Thunder into the apostle of love, He can change you too.

Think about it: Are you a bit of a “Son of Thunder”? How could Jesus point your energy and boldness in a good direction?

Try this: Show love in action today, not just words. Do something for someone that proves you care.

Dear Jesus, thank You for changing John from a Son of Thunder into a man full of love. Change me too. Point my energy and boldness in the right direction, and help me love in action and truth, not just in words. In Your name, Amen.