FEBRUARY 17, 2024 – GIVING YOUR LIFE

READ: 1 John 3:16-18

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. – 1 John 3:16

How far does the love God asks for extend? When Peter asked the Lord Jesus how often he should forgive his brother, His answer was surprisingly far-reaching: 70 times 7. There is no limit.

The forgiving nature of God in Jesus Christ is the starting point. Consider the parable of the unforgiving servant that follows Jesus’ response, Matt. 18:22-35. The punishment the servant received from his master shows that our forgiveness isn’t without consequences.

Similarly, with love for our brothers and sisters, there are no limits. John points to the example Christ has set for us. Through that example, we learned what love truly means. He sacrificed His own life as the Shepherd for His sheep (John 10:15,17,18).

Christ is not an example in terms of His unique substitutionary suffering, but His obedience to God the Father and His acts of self-sacrifice serve as an example for us (Eph. 5:1,2).

True love for others involves your whole being. You must be willing, if necessary, to lose your life to help your brother or sister. This is what Christ did. John elaborates on this in verse 17. If your brother is in need or lacks something, would you help them? Isn’t that genuine love arising from love for God?

However, if you don’t do this and close your heart to your brother or sister who needs you, how can the love of God remain in you? This shows selfishness, not brotherly love. And then there’s no love for God either. God’s love doesn’t fill you; you’re not in God’s love (see John 15:10; 1 John 2:5 and onward; 3:23,24).

The visible and tangible act of brotherly love is a test of genuine love. Let’s not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Let’s do what we say.

What does giving your life for others mean to you?

Singing: Ps. 112:2,3