Changed by His Love
1 John 3:16: 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.
Cain is our example of false love; Christ is the example of true Christian love. Jesus gave His life for us that we may experience truth. Every Christian knows John 3:16, but how many of us pay much attention to 1 John 3:16? It is wonderful to experience the blessing of John 3:16; but it is even more wonderful to share that experience by obeying 1 John 3:16: Christ laid down life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Christian love involves sacrifice and service. Christ did not simply talk about His love; He died to prove it. Jesus was not killed as a martyr; He willingly laid down His life (John 10:11–18). “Self-preservation” is the first law of physical life, but “self-sacrifice” is the first law of spiritual life. Christian love is personal and active. 1
Loving Him
Read Romans 5:11-18. How did God demonstrate His love towards us? What was required for our justification to gain heaven? What is the biggest personal challenge you face in demonstrating this kind of love towards others? What is the biggest blessing that you have experienced when “laying it all down” for the benefit of others?
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
Loving Others
When you lay your life down, His grace will lift you up.
Make Me Like You
Lord, thank You for teaching me that godly love is experienced at the feet of others.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
