Reading… and Thinking

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.

— 1 John 3:16-18 (ESV)

As John reminds us repeatedly, Jesus gave us a key commandment: we must love one another. OK, but what does that actually mean? Is it a warm feeling? John says that Jesus’ sacrifice teaches us what love is. So what’s expected is that we lay down our own lives for one another. What does that mean? Is it literal?

Well, possibly so. But John goes right on to give us an example of what he had in mind. If a brother or sister is in need, and you can help, you must. Otherwise it’s clear that love doesn’t abide in you!

The need can be on any level. John particularly mentions the physical level—”the world’s goods”. And it’s surprising how much we need this exhortation. You’d think that this would be the easiest thing, but it’s not. Our possessions have a tremendous hold on us. The more we possess, the more we are possessed.

But the need might be in some other direction, and we shouldn’t only share our worldly possessions with others. The need may be for someone to listen, for time spent in fellowship, for guidance through a tough situation, for encouragement, for teaching, for many other spiritual things. We may find it as hard to part with our time as it is to part with our possessions, but we are told that we must respond to our brother’s need.

Paul made the same point when he said, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) And James as well: “Be doers of the word, not hearers only.” (James 1:22)

We must do more than give lip service to the principles taught by our Master. We must do them. Even children know the parable of the wise man who built his house on the rock. Who was the wise man? “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) The fool is the one who hears, but doesn’t do (verse 26).

We’ve seen what love is – Jesus shows us, in what he himself did. We’re called to love just like him. Now it’s up to us!