We Know Love

1 John 3:16-18 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. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
 
THIS second “we know” lesson is more directly on godly love: This is how we know what love is. Wow! Are you excited to learn? John tells you.
    Here it is: Jesus Christ lay down his life for us – that’s you. This is very direct, isn’t it? Certainly this is not new to anyone. Even unchurched people will hear, “In love, Jesus lay down his life for you.” Yes, you might be asking, “What’s new?” Perhaps what can be new is the way you know Jesus.
    We are first taught, Jesus is your friend. He was born in a manger. He walked the earth and lived just as you. Yes, he did live fully as man on earth. But let’s remember he is fully the Son of God.
    Jesus is one of Three Persons of the Trinity. He is the holy God displaying his glory in many ways throughout Scripture. Here he does so directly: Mark 9:2-7 There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them…7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Jesus is fully man. He is fully God. You can identify him as a man. He died a human death. He is raised in God’s power. You must worship him as God.
    Now read again John’s love definition: Jesus Christ lay down his life for us. The Son, who lives in heaven’s glory, lay down his life for us. This is God’s love to obey his own law and promises to die a sacrificial death on a cruel cross for you. His love is his surrender to the work of salvation. His love is his submission to his enemies for your victory over the Enemy. His love is “not my will but yours” (Luke 22:42 – Jesus in Gethsemane).
    Jesus’ love is not material possessions. His love is true freedom, peace, joy and hope. Jesus’ love is loving your enemies and forgiving those who sin against you. This is the laying-down-love Jesus has done for you. It is the love God requires of you.
    It’s true, dear friends, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. You will know you love God and love others when you love as Jesus.    
 
Life Thought: Love in truth leads to true living