1 John 3:16-24
We know what love is because Jesus Christ gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters. Suppose someone sees a brother or sister in need and is able to help them. And suppose that person doesn’t take pity on these needy people. Then how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, don’t just talk about love. Put your love into action. Then it will truly be love. Here’s how we know that we hold to the truth. And here’s how we put our hearts at rest, knowing that God is watching. If our hearts judge us, we know that God is greater than our hearts. And he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not judge us, we can be bold with God. And he will give us anything we ask. That’s because we obey his commands. We do what pleases him. God has commanded us to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ. He has also commanded us to love one another. The one who obeys God’s commands remains joined to him. And he remains joined to them. Here is how we know that God lives in us. We know it because of the Holy Spirit he gave us. 1 John 3:16-24 (NIRV)
Peter Scholtes was a Catholic priest serving in the Chicago area during the 1960’s. Certainly an era with much social and political discord and vitriol. He penned this song to be sung by his youth choir and ultimately it gained traction as an anthem in the “Jesus Movement” of the 70’s. It remains a strong example of a call to action as well as a message of discipleship. Faith in action.
“We Are One in the Spirit” (“They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”)
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
Chorus: And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land.
We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.
All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.
Copyright: Words: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation),Music: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation)
Our passage today from First John gives us the same message. At the outset we are reminded of Christ’s selfless act on the cross and then given a directive to follow that example and give up our own life for our neighbor. Not literally, but figuratively. We are instructed to love our neighbor in their time of need. To provide for them as we are able. This can be done in so many ways big and small. Ever lend a cup of sugar? Ever been on a mission trip? Ever had to hold a grieving friend? The examples of Christ-like love are endless but so are the opportunities. How can we possibly see and tend to them all? This thought can be stressing. But God knows the motives of our heart and the capacity for our actions. Let his voice of assurance be stronger than ours of doubt.
This is a timeless message. One that can teach us from the past, sustain us in the present and encourage us for the future. Thanks be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- How do people know that you are Christian? By your love? By your actions?
- Does society in general believe that Christians walk the walk and not just talk the talk?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Continue to instill in us your love, Christ’s example, and the Holy Spirit’s connection. Help us to use these influences to help others. Amen.
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