It isn’t easy to love the unlovable.  The neighbor whose dog insists on barking late at night. When you say good morning to someone and there is no response or a smile. So just how far can you go to be friendly as well as an encourager?

Many things we do in life require a combination of emotion and action. Sometimes we simply do and say things because we know that we must! Helping someone in need without sympathy on our part might even make us resentful. Praying just by mouthing the words seems like a meaningless exercise.
Feelings do not come automatically.  We cannot just turn on the happiness switch towards another person.
So, what do we do when we do not feel happiness or empathy, or when we feel totally uninspired and disinterested? 

                                                Heart follows Action.

We might gain some understanding when reading the Gospels.  When Jesus sent out his disciples to preach that he was the promised Messiah, they knew this wasn’t an easy assignment.   They might have feared for their own lives as well.  They did this because the Master told them.  But also, they were motivated because Jesus taught them love, even toward those who might have killed them.  Their heart followed their actions.   Mistrust and hatred turned to love and understanding.

If you hear of someone in need but feel apathetic, force yourself to ask how you can help.

Actions with effort create strong feelings.  Do a good act and the heart will follow.

                                    Actions speak louder than your heart!