if necessary, use words

I ran across an excellent blog site and post by Dr. Carmen C. DiCello. He is launching off of the tremendous quote by Saint Francis of Assisi. “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”

Some quotes from Dr. DiCello:
“What Saint Francis is saying… is that what God’s after is not merely a series of well-crafted theological formulas or a proper articulation of the good news.”

”… the purpose of the truth we have acquired, the intent of the gospel, is to actually find its way into our hearts and lives, dramatically altering the way we live, love, and relate to others.”

“You see, what really matters is that we love (God and our neighbor, according to Jesus), that we bear fruit (according to Paul), and that we become increasingly like Jesus himself.”

“Our lives ought to exude compassion and care. The good news–the news that we are loved and accepted, that we are empowered to love, that we have purpose–should flow from our lives in such a way that no one will be able to deny it.”

“Preach the gospel at all times. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, be it morning, afternoon, or evening, whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, let the good news, the news of faith, hope, and love, flow from you. Let good news emanate from your life. And, when it’s needed, when the situation and setting warrant it, open your mouth too. Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”

Well said. Much easier said than done.