What did Francis of Assisi mean by these words:

[size=15pt]Preach God everywhere:  If necessary use words.[/size]


I've looked at a number of understandings of this phrase like here
http://richestmaninassisi..com/2006/03/preach-gospel-if-necessary-use-words.html

http://www.challies.com/archives/general-news/its-always-nece.php

http://www.revelife.com/701014198/dont-settle-for-words-when-preaching-the-gospel/

Francis of Asisi is perhaps the greatest christian leader of the last 1000 years May his soul continue to rest in heaven.

Pastor AIO:

What did Francis of Assisi mean by these words:

Works pay more dividends than talk. Actions speak louder than words. Those are two expressions that come to mind when I read the attributed quote. In my opinion, St. Francis was advocating something I think many Christians forget: behaving "Christ-like" is probably the best way to show people the validity of the Gospels. Essentially, acting with love is a better witness to the love of Christ in a person than simply talking about love and not necessarily showing the evidence of such supposedly live changing love in one's life.

Two pence.

KAG:


Works pay more dividends than talk. Actions speak louder than words. Those are two expressions that come to mind when I read the attributed quote. In my opinion, St. Francis was advocating something I think many Christians forget: behaving "Christ-like" is probably the best way to show people the validity of the Gospels. Essentially, acting with love is a better witness to the love of Christ in a person than simply talking about love and not necessarily showing the evidence of such supposedly live changing love in one's life.

Two pence.