As we continue our journey through 1 John, we pick up at verse 16, of chapter 3. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John writes:
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18
The Word tells us that God is Love. It says that “God so loved the world” – He ‘tells us’ that He loves us. The Word goes on to say: “He gave His only begotten Son to take upon Himself our sins and sickness, our weakness and our sorrows and die for them. That is ‘showing’ us that He loves us.
As John had stated: “Jesus Christ laid down His life for us – and we ought do the same for our brothers and sisters.” So what does that look like? It is living a life for Him, and for others ahead of ourselves. It is setting priorities, and purpose. It is giving of our time, and resources. It is feeding the hungry. It is checking on the sick, and helping as we can. It is spending time in prayer for those in need. It is sharing the Good News as God presents the opportunity. It is modeling a life of love to the world when it is not the easy or convenient thing to do. It is holding our tongue when we would like to ‘tell that Guy off’, but instead speaking what is right for all. It is living in victory over the world in Jesus Christ.
Christ died that we might live. That was His priority and purpose when He came to earth as Son of Man. Mankind was dead in trespass and sin, so Father sent Him that we might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) That means that we who believe in Him live with abundant overflowing life, and love that flows through Him. We enjoy what we have been given, and share it with those in need as presented to us by the Lord. It is our desire to do so. That desire comes from the love of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, that is within us.
The Lord Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” (John 16:24) He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Let us never let ‘self’ be the one we follow. Let us follow Christ Jesus, and He will show us what love is with every decision we must make throughout the day.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line