When my son was learning to read, he realized he could decipher street signs—especially speed limit signs. Thrilled with his new skill, he would call out from the backseat, “Mom, the speed limit is 30—it’s 30!” The first couple of times this happened, I thought it was cute. The next few times, I found it tolerable. Each announcement after that became more trying, even though I knew he was attempting to be helpful.

Sometimes I think Christians have the same effect on people who aren’t walking with God. We spew repeated warnings, but only end up exasperating the other party. We can avoid this mistake by heeding the apostle Paul’s words: “If I could speak all the languages of the earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). While barking out advice will send people away with hands over their ears, loving communication can open doors . . . and ears.

Without love, godly advice may seem preachy and—worse yet—insincere. Paul said, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. . . . Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10, emphasis added). Honoring a person may mean giving him space, or trying to understand his perspective even it doesn’t match our own. It could mean performing acts of kindness or speaking words of appreciation.

As Christians, we’re not only called to care, we’re empowered to do this through Jesus’ love for us. He said, “Love each other, just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Because He loves us deeply, sincerely, and eternally, we can lovingly share this kind of affection with the people who need it the most.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 19:1-25