How great the love of the Father!

In 1 John 3, we find some incredible words of wisdom, specifically related to how we should love one another. It’s interesting that the first words in this chapter are:

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (3:1a)

John speaks references God’s love as the primary thought or perhaps, our starting point? Then further down, he begins to focus on our duty to love each other, and warns us with the following:

“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” (3:13-14)

Unfortunately, showing love to people who do not know Christ, will not always have great returns. John wants to be clear that our lives must reflect Christ’s love always, despite the outcome of showing that love.

Even when the world hates us, love should be displayed.

Finally, what I needed today, was found in verses 16 and 17. John starts by saying,

“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?” (3:16-17)

How much am I able to sacrifice to show love to another person? To a friend? To a total stranger? To someone who hates me? The highest form of showing love is to lay down one’s life; displayed in Christ. Am I able to strive for that kind of love? Would it be possible, if the situation presented itself?

These are very difficult questions for the Christian to internalize and contemplate. They reveal hard truths about our relationship with Jesus and with fellow human beings. They remind us that we have a long way to go in our discipleship journey.

They remind us that we still need Jesus desperately!

These verses reminded me of Francis Chan‘s book “Crazy Love.” Chan emphasizes that sacrificial love is the greatest love that humanity can ever truly fathom.  Looking at Christ’s example, He died out of an eternal, sacrificial love.  Now that’s some Crazy Love!

Chan also challenges us as believers to think about this eternal sacrificial love each and every day of our lives.  While driving to work or while wandering around a grocery store; allow that thought to saturate your mind.  It will change how you live and love people in your day-to-day life.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• What does sacrificial love look like?
• Can sacrificial love have an eternal impact? If so, how?
• Would we ever be able to lay down our lives in an act of love?