Chapter three in this first letter of John is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible.
There. I said it.
From it’s start of delightful joy in the love of the Father, through to knowing how we are God’s children like Jesus because of love and ending in affirming we can love because of God’s Spirit in us. (I’ll leave it to you to make the connection between those three key Participants.)
Something about love in modern mentalities gives love the meaning of something warm and fuzzy in the heart. Noble feelings, soaring thoughts, uplifting sentiments, eloquent words. I am a big fan of that element of love.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:16-18)
John states that the love of God goes way beyond feelings, thoughts and words. He informs us that beyond a shadow of a doubt real divine love acts. Not only does it act, but it acts to the extent of laying down its life for the brothers and sisters.
I am continually challenged to see that true love sees a need in the brother and sister and looks to meet it when it is in their capacity to do so. That is at the heart of a God who has all resources at hand and gives them generously for His children to live a fruitful life. As that marks the character of the Holy Father, so it marks the life of His holy children.
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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