1 John 3:16-18

1 John 3:16-18

In this we have known love: that one put down his life on our behalf.  We also ought to put down our life for our brothers’ sake.  And if anyone should have a livelihood of the world and he should see his brother while having a need and he should close off his heart from him, how does the love of God remain in him?  Little children, let us not love by word or by tongue but by works and by truth.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

As is typical of Jesus’ disciples, John goes back to the example that he saw in Christ.  Jesus gave up his life.  Granted, He is God.  He also knew that He would be resurrected.  But then again, do we also not know that we will be resurrected into life incorruptible?  Sure, we are not God and never make a case to be God.  But do we not believe that one day we will be raised into new life – a life where God is fully in control, our needs will be met, and sin will be done away with?  If we believe that with certainty, then why should we not be willing to put down our life as Jesus put His own life down?

Are you grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice?  Does that gratefulness turn into imitation?  How?

Second Thought:

I love how John ends this.  John tells us that we shouldn’t just love by word or tongue but in action.  In other words, even in Jesus’ day the saying is true: talk is cheap.  John is telling us – quite literally – to put our money where our mouth is.  Anyone can say that they love.  But we know true love when it is put on display.  We know love when we see it, not when we hear it.

Are you a lover in words or in action?  How do you reach this conclusion about yourself?

Third Thought:

In this passage John gives us a very plain example.  He says that if anyone has enough in this world to have a livelihood and sees a brother in need and does not help him, then how does the love of God remain in him?  God loved us when we were in desperate need and unable to fend for ourselves!  We should do that with others.  However, notice that John gives two conditions here.  First of all, as we have been talking all throughout the last few days, we are speaking about love directed towards brothers.  In other words, John is talking about actions from one believer to other believers.  Second, John says that the believer has enough for his own livelihood.  John is giving a pass to those who don’t have enough to survive – as well he should!  But for those of us who have enough to survive on, we should take notice.  We are supposed to support our brothers and sisters in the faith, not ignore their needs.

Do you support others in the faith?  How do you do so?  Why do you do so?  How does this benefit you as well as them?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 John 3:19-22