Scripture: 1 John 3:16-18 “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
Love for Your Brother
By contributing writer: Detria Moore
How very ironic that both John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16 speak of love. John 3:16 speaks of God’s love for humanity that caused Him to sacrifice His only son for us. 1 John 3:16 goes further and says it’s because of that love that we in turn should lay down our lives for the brothers. That, of course, is not literal. There is nothing we can do to redeem the life of our brothers. Only the perfect, sinless Christ can do that.
However, it does mean that we should go through great strides for our brothers and sisters.
This scripture even provides examples. If we have something our brother needs and don’t help meet the need, is God’s love even in us? Our love must be more than empty words. It’s often said that love is an action word. Our deeds to our brothers and sisters must reveal the love of Christ.
Here are some points about the love of Christ that begs us to extend it to our brothers and sisters.
- It’s voluntary. It’s not forced. Christ wasn’t forced to die for us, and we should willingly show love.
- Brethren, as used in this scripture, could be fellow Brethren in Christ, or it could also mean any fellow man. Jesus laid down His life for any who would call upon His name and believe. Because of His love, we are accepted into the Body of Christ. We can’t love only our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. How far would you go to show love to the unsaved if it meant gaining souls for the kingdom?
- It’s real, and it’s genuine. Verse 18 says that our love should be done in deed and in truth. We need to be sincere in the love we’re showing.
We can know Christ because of the Lord’s love for us. May we be so sincere in our love for our brothers that it draws the unsaved to Christ. And those who are already believers even closer to Christ.
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Daniel 11:2-35, 1 John 3:7-24, Psalm 122:1-9, Proverbs 29:1
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Connect with Detria Moore at www.detriamoore.com
Detria Moore, J.D. is a believer, wife, mother, college professor, intercessor, community servant, writer, speaker, and volunteer of all things. Above all else, she is enamored with her Savior. Her main goal is to serve the Lord, walk in a manner worthy of her calling, and bring glory to her Savior. Detria enjoys reading and teaching the Bible, praying for others, and walking the Lynchburg trails.
