Our scripture this morning is 1 John 3:16 (NLT).
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.
This verse from John’s first letter mirrors the words of Jesus in John 3:16. There we hear His statement “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” This is sacrificial love, Jesus caring more about us than Himself, and it is the example for how we are to love others.
Later in John 13:35 we read “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus tells us that caring for others is the way to show our love for Him. If we don’t love one another, we don’t truly love God.
We are called to be part of the work of God’s kingdom by demonstrating this love in what we say and do. Jesus taught us this so we could bring others to know Him in their lives. May we be strong in the Lord, bringing the Good News to everyone.
Gracious God, You sent Your Son to be the sacrifice for our sin. Forgive us and make us new in Your love, that we can help make the world new as well. Amen.
