1 John 3:16-18 NIV
16 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. 17 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? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
“Love does not destroy another’s life, whether in thought or deed. Love gives its own life so that another may live. ‘Jesus Christ laid down his life for us’ demonstrates God’s definition of love. It is not mere sentiment or emotion, not simply words, but deeds. And the deeds are not empty gestures; they actively transform the situation… It is a love that gives without counting the cost, without any thought of return, without first weighing up whether or not such love is deserved – a love that is entirely without self-interest… And that love is the mark of a faith that is real.” (Jackman, The Message of John’s Letters, BST, 100)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving your life so that we may live. As we experience the divine love of God, may we be empowered to love sacrificially. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Let’s worship the Lord in song with “At the Cross” by Chris Tomlin (click here).
– MR
