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1 John 3:16, 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.

This final chapter in John’s first letter is about recognizing that we are children of God so that we can live accordingly.  How do children of God behave?  Well, first and foremost, they are motivated by love.  The world may hate but we love, even when it’s hard and even when it’s uncomfortable. 

Our focus verse is 1 John 3:16. Take a moment and read it again.  Notice how similar it is to John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. But in our focus verse, John takes it one step further for the believer.  Yes, Jesus died for us.  Yes, if we believe in him then we have eternal life.  But one more thing – because of all that, we must love our brothers and sisters so much that we sacrifice for them.  

This has echoes of the Great Commandment as well in Matthew 22:37-40.  Love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated.  How we try over and over again to separate our faith in Jesus from how we treat others.  They are intricately linked. 

How does this Scripture affect how you do life?

Let’s pray…Jesus, We love you and thank you for laying down your life for us.  Help us lay down our lives for others.  Help us sacrifice for others and love others in a way that glorifies you.  In Your Name, Amen.