1 John 3:16 – Real Love

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)

We are weeks away from celebrating Easter as I reflect on this verse. How powerful its significance while walking with Jesus to the cross. I can’t fully wrap my head around God’s love for us, can you? Jesus’ actions define real love in a way nothing else could.

Context: John’s teaching here is all about love, but he is focusing on how we are to love each other. For us to know how to do that, we need only look to Jesus and his example on the cross. That’s why this verse is so important. It helps keep us on track, putting into perspective what love looks like.

I’m not sure John was saying we should go out and die for our friends to show love. Simply realizing what it would take to make that sacrifice helps us realize how limited our love is. We have to work hard to love others with even a fraction of Jesus’ depth of devotion. How does it make you feel to imagine that much love?

When we reflect on what Jesus did for us, the gratitude and awe just seem to flow, like a faucet turned on full blast. Not feeling anything is impossible when we embrace how much we are loved. Even if it is only to feel unworthy and wonder how God could love us that much, we are still feeling something. I’ve certainly struggled with those thoughts before.

If John didn’t mean we’re to actually die for our friends, what does this verse mean? We are supposed to love others better than we do. Rather than focus so much on self, we need to look outside ourselves and be ready to make sacrifices.

An easy example for me is to think of my kids. As parents, we’ve all felt that surge of protection when our kids are in harm’s way. To give our life for them seems like a no-brainer. John is suggesting our relationship with our Christian brothers and sisters should be profound enough to want to protect them, care for them, and be ready to make sacrifices.

In John’s gospel, Jesus said this: “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13) How nicely this fits in with John’s counsel in our memory text today. Real love is sacrificial love, looking beyond our own needs and desires. Do you love others with that kind of love?

Let’s pray. Father, you are incredible, all-knowing, forgiving, merciful, loving, and so much more. Ignite the love in my heart for others so that I can be more like you. I don’t seek glory, but only to glorify you. Empty my heart of me and my desires so that I will be open and ready to be filled with you and your way. Shine through me so I can be a blessing to those I encounter today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.