1 John 3:11-18 (ESV)
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 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. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 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? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
John wrote much about love - God's love for us, Christ's example for us, and how we should love others. We may not like everything that people do. Sometimes our friends will disappoint us. Sometimes people close to us will hurt us by their actions. Love doesn't mean that we accept or approve of those actions. Love is how we react to all situations. Love is a choice. It is important for the Christian to make the choice to show love. John emphasizes that our love shouldn't just be words, but should manifest itself in action and be true. Christian love starts with the realization first that God loves us. We should also realize that all men are created in the image of God. God loves everyone, and I should love everyone as well. My love for God and my fellow man causes me to be concerned for the wellbeing all men. This love will manifest itself in many different ways.
When I am wronged. I will forgive.
When I see a need. I will help to the extent I able.
When I see someone doing something that will endanger their soul. I will correct.
When I see someone in sorrow. I will comfort.
When someone receives a blessing. I will rejoice.
When I know something I could do would cause another to stumble. I will refrain.
Like Christ I will put others needs ahead of my own. My goal is Heaven and my desire is that all men can share the joy of Heaven with our Heavenly Father.
Philippians 2:4 (ESV) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV) For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
John 13:35 (ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
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