But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
– I John 3:7-8 (ESV)

John gives us a spiritual equation that teaches us about love. 

Goods + Need + Heart + Action = Love

First, I have the world’s goods; that is, the means to help someone in whatever way.  It might be money, time, a skill, or an ability.  It might also be as simple as a word of encouragement, a prayer, a listening ear, even a hug. It is whatever good is necessary to meet the need.

Which brings us to the second part of the equation – I see my brother or sister in Christ in need.  To see the need means I have contact with them, I am around them, I know them.  And so I am able to see the real need; not just symptoms, but the real need. And that may require observation.  It may require some communication.  My first impression, or what I may want to do, may not be what they need.

Third, having the goods and seeing need, I must then refuse to close my heart.  I must not shut off compassion.  I must not slam the door of empathy.  If I do, that is a failure of love. 

Not having the goods is not a failure to love.  Not seeing the need is not a failure of love (though maybe I need to be more observant).  A failure to love is when I close my heart.

Finally, if I have the goods, see the need, and have a compassionate heart, then I must do something.  My heart must lead me to act.  I must actually apply the goods to the need. 

My heart leads me to act to meet the need with the goods that God has given me.  That is real love. 

Goods + Need + Heart + Action = Love