It is not surprising that the apostle John is known and the apostle of love. He frequently talked about love. In his epistles, he especially exhorted Christians to show love for one another.
One such example of these exhortations is found in 1 John 3. In verse 16 he reveals the quality of that love, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I imagine that on our best day, we all can imagine ourselves to show such nobility, standing in the breech and laying down our lives in the ultimate loving sacrifice.
In the next breath, though, John continues, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (vs. 17).
Perhaps we flatter ourselves in thinking we are capable of the grandest of sacrifices, when we find ourselves put out by the smallest of needs. The next time a brother or sister expresses a need — a ride to the doctor, a meal, a ear to listen, a comforting hug — don’t let any perceived inconvenience on your part keep you from showing your true love for them.
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” (vs. 18)!
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