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. 1 John 3:16
I know without a doubt Jesus loved me so much that he gave his life for me. How about you? However, the second part of the above scripture teaches us we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
How are you doing at obeying this command?
I confess, I have failed miserably – so many times. Thank God for his faithfulness to forgive my many shortcomings! But it is in my heart to do better.
I know that Jesus doesn’t expect us to die for someone else, but the Word teaches us that love is not selfish, and that in love, we should think of others – better than ourselves.
I think we would all admit we live in a rather selfish society – especially here in the US. The majority of people, even Christians and Christian churches, unfortunately, look more inward at their own needs, than outward toward the needs of others.
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? 1 John 3:17
There are so many people who are suffering around the world today – even in our own towns and cities. Hungry children, hurting and homeless families, sick and lonely people . . . and the list goes on.
What would the world look like if everyone who called themselves a Christian would lay down “some thing” for someone else.
When are WE as the church, the body of Christ, going to put into action things that can change the lives of those suffering? Like . . .
- Feeding the Hungry
- Clothing the Poor
- Sharing the Good News of Jesus
- Helping the Hurting
- Being a Friend to the Lonely
- Visiting the Sick or the Prisoner
In the parable of the Sheep and Goats [Matthew 25:31-46] Jesus teaches us that when we do these things for someone, we are doing it for him. He also teaches us that when we don’t do these things for someone else, we don’t do it for him. There will be a day when we will have to give an account for our actions – or our non-action!
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth 1 John 3:18
I’m ready to show the world What Love is! How about you?
Think of ways how you individually, or in your fellowship group, can lay down your life for someone else. Then take action. God will bless you, I’m sure of that!