1 John 3:16-24 (NRSV)
Read 1 John 3:16-24 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us-and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. Verse 17How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Verse 18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. Verse 19And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him
Verse 20whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Verse 21Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; Verse 22and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
Verse 23And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Verse 24All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Devotion
Love is not optional for Christians. It isn’t easy either. John reminded his readers that to talk about love is not enough. Love backs up its talk with actions. God’s love for the world was made known through the words of the prophets, but it was also shown in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Not only was God’s love shown in action, but it was shown to and for the benefit of those who were God’s enemies. Jesus commands His followers to love in the same way. This kind of love is recognized by the beloved as real and true. Love words are legitimized by actions of love. This kind of love bears true witness to the Lord who gave His life for the world.
Prayer
Lord, help us to believe in you again today. May your name be glorified in our words and our actions. May all we meet see your love for them through us. Amen.