1 John 3:14: We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
John commends love to us with remarkable high praise, because it is evidence of his readers’ transition from death to life. From this it follows that if we love the brothers, we are blessed, but that we are miserable if we hate them. There is no one who does not wish to be freed and delivered from death. So then, those who by cherishing hatred willingly give themselves up to death must be extremely stupid and senseless. But when the apostle says that love shows that we have passed into life, he does not mean that we are our own deliverers, as though by loving the brothers we could rescue ourselves from death and procure life for ourselves. He is not here dealing with the cause of salvation; rather, as love is the special fruit of the Spirit, it is also a sure symbol of regeneration. So then, the apostle is drawing an argument from the sign, and not from the cause. For as no one sincerely loves his brothers unless he is regenerated by the Spirit of God, John rightly concludes that the Spirit of God, who is life, lives in all who love the brothers. But it would be preposterous for anyone to infer from this that life is obtained by love, since love comes afterwards chronologically. 1
Loving Him
Are you known for your loving spirit towards others, or for a contentious attitude? People are drawn towards those who abound in the fruit of the spirit. Do you make an issue over little things that deserve your patience, rather than your opinion? Since we have been given a new life because of His love, we should chose to love others…always.
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Loving Others
A well-lived life is a life lived at the well of living water. – TWEET IT
Changing Me
Lord, make me into Your servant, filled with Your love, and living out Your love.
1. Calvin, J., & Henry, M. (1998). 1, 2, & 3 John. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
