1 John 3:16–18
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 (NIV)
As I read these bible verses and begin to write this devotion, I am at a bit of a loss as what to write about. It seems to me that the verses speak for themselves, and it seems pretty straight forward what we are to do if we are followers of Jesus. Jesus demonstrated what love is to us. If I am attempting to follow Jesus as a Christian, then he is the example I am to follow, right? If I take this literally, does it really mean I need to lay down my life for my brothers and sisters? I think it may. We know of many who have served their country and given their lives for our freedom and for their brothers and sisters in the country. We may know of people who have given their lives to save others in their families or even for someone they don’t know in emergency situations.
After doing some research and reading what others have written about these verses, I believe John was also trying to teach us that we must sacrifice of ourselves for the good of our brothers and sisters in this life. We should be a living sacrifice to give to others instead of just living selfishly for ourselves. John puts a test to us in very plain, practical terms. If we possess worldly goods and see others in need, do we give up what we have to serve them? Are we willing to be generous with our money, possessions, and time with others? If we close our hearts against even the least of our brothers and sisters in need, then how could we possibly claim to have God’s love in us?
Laying down our lives may mean sacrificing our busy schedules that keep us too occupied to notice another’s need. Laying down our lives might mean setting aside our own personal agenda, so that we can be part of someone else’s life and invite them to be part of ours. Laying down our lives could be taking the time to listen to someone who is hurting. Laying down our lives isn’t so much about dying for someone else as it is living for someone else and putting their needs ahead of our own as an act of love. As my wife says, “Actions speak louder than words.”
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever laid down your life to help someone in need?
- If not, then how can we start doing that with others in need right here where we live?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and the love Jesus showed to us by giving his life for our salvation. Help us to lay down our lives to help others in need, whatever that may require of us. Help us to let our actions speak louder than our words, like Jesus did. Amen.
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