Lesson 16: What Does It Mean to Love My Brother? (1 John 3:16-18)

Just as hatred for a brother reveals itself through one’s actions, so is there consistency between a declared love and an active love for others in the body. “Talk is cheap” as they say, and at least as it pertains to the topic of love, the Apostle John would agree. Through putting forth both an example of how love must be equally voiced and displayed, and through a gentle command to put love into action, he communicated the necessity of genuine love within the Christian body. Pastor Daniel brings John’s emphasis forward by stating, “Sacrificial love is not abstract or theoretical but practical and costly.” There are three key implications this will have for the disciple. 1) It means I joyfully embrace my obligation to sacrificially care for my brother. 2) It means I lay down my life for him in practical ways. 3) It means God’s love abides in me.

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff