Exploring the Scripture
Most likely, the first letter of John is a commentary on the main themes of the Gospel of John. This letter was likely written to a group united in believing that the Word was God. However, they were divided about the importance of action in response to one’s beliefs.
Today’s text is at the beginning of the second part of 1 John, which begins with 3:11. Whereas part one proclaims God as light, part two proclaims God as love. The passage begins with the idea that since Christ “laid down his life for us,” we are now called to do the same for others (v. 16). Following Christ means being willing to go to the cross for others. This sacrifice is not upheld as a heroic act, but as a faithful act expected of all disciples.
These verses speak to disciples in every generation, challenging us courageously to find ways to work for justice in our neighborhoods and nations. They remind us that if we claim to have God’s love abiding in us, we must be willing to move out of our comfort zones to right wrongs we witness in the world around us. John’s words are clear that words and intent are not good enough. Love moves us into action, responding to the needs around us.
The question asked by John ties our eyes and heart together. We must be looking for those in need, and then we must do what we can to meet the need we see. Fortunately, much good can be carried out that does not require our loss of life.
John speaks harshly about people who claim Christian love but are hesitant in sharing one’s capacity to support another in need. John explains that sacrificial living includes putting our love into action and being generous with our time, talent, treasure, and testimony in support of others. Our whole-life stewardship reflects the love we have received, and we share it as our response to God’s gift of love to us.
Verse 19 recognizes we sometimes doubt our faithfulness and capacity to respond the way God desires. We can become preoccupied with how God views us. We can trust that God does not abandon us and gives us the strength and courage we need to put God’s love into action.
The reference in verse 22 that “we receive from [God] whatever we ask” should not be interpreted through the lens of the heresy of the prosperity gospel that God gives anything to those God favors. This reference is about us receiving what we need to be God’s messengers of love.
The end of today’s passage summarizes the two primary themes of the Gospel of John. First, “we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ,” and second, we should “love one another, just as he has commanded us” (v. 23). It upholds the vital idea from the Parable of the Vine (John 15) of Christ abiding in us and us in Christ through the blessing of the Spirit. This parable is also a way of interpreting the beginning of this text, with the idea that our acts of love are the fruits we bear as faithful disciples.
Project Zion Podcast
Co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Since Christ “laid down his life for us,” we are now called to do the same for others.
- If we claim to have God’s love abiding in us, then we must be willing to move out of our comfort zones to right wrongs we witness in the world around us.
- Sacrificial living involves whole-life stewardship putting our love into action, and being generous with our time, talent, treasure, and testimony in support of others.
Questions to Consider
- What keeps you from being willing to lay down your life for another?
- What are your community’s needs and injustices, and how might you generously respond?
- What issues or situations of injustice motivate you to want to get involved?
- How might you go deeper in your whole-life stewardship, putting your love into action?
- What is the “fruit” from your generous response of time, talent, treasure, and testimony in support of others?