January 30, 2016
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:16-18
16This 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. 17If 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 that person? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Questions for Reflection:
According to the Bible, science and experience, love is the greatest thing. However it can be difficult to define. How does John say that we can know what love is? Jesus Christ models for us what love is. The verb translated “laid down” is used throughout John’s writings. Gary Burge writes, “The verb used (GK. tithemi) here is of special interest to John and generally describes ‘setting aside’ something, such as a garment. In John 13:4, for example, Jesus ‘sets aside’ his garment when he washes his disciples’ feet. In John 10 Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd who ‘sets aside’ his life for his sheep (10:11, 15, 17)…This peculiar Johannine construction suggests ‘divesting oneself of something’ that is precious and personally valued.”
John takes it a step further and tells us that we should follow Jesus’ example. We don’t often get a chance to see this principle lived out in our culture. When it is, we celebrate those individuals as heroes. On Tuesday, we saw this played out with the heroic actions of Susan Jordan, principal at Amy Beverland Elementary School. When Jordan saw a school bus jumped a curb at the end of the day, she rushed over and pushed students out of the way before being struck by a bus. Her actions were selfless and loving. She literally set aside her life for her students. Have you witnessed other examples of selfless love like that? How can we carry that same attitude in everyday ways? How can we practically love those around us today?
John gives one practice example in verse 17. How do you feel as you read this verse? What thoughts come to your mind? Would you say that your initial thoughts affirm what you read or are more along the lines of rationalizing your decisions and actions in the past? There is something powerful about watching the church love and support others that is truly life-giving. Several years ago, I was meeting with a friend who was in a desperate financial situation. When the two of us had coffee with another friend of mine, something remarkable happened. My older, more financially established friend took out his checkbook and met the need of my hurting friend. Not only was my friend blessed by that turn of events, my faith grew as well. John wants us to realize that it is not enough to talk a good game; we have to live out our beliefs. The world is rarely changed by the words someone speaks about their beliefs, but it is often changed by the person willing to act on their beliefs. How can you act out your faith today?
Remember, your actions or good deeds are not done to earn your salvation. They flow out of the grace you have been given. J Ligon Duncan said in his sermon on this passage, “We’re not saved by our efforts; we’re not saved by our good works; we’re not saved by loving the brethren. We’re saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone…But the evidence that we have faith, genuine faith, saving faith, is that we love the brethren.” Spend time today in prayer asking God to continue to equip you to love others well. Look for ways today that you can do that.