LOVING OTHERS AS GOD LOVES US

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).

John 3:16 is one of the most popular scriptures. It is rightly so because it sums up the whole agenda of God concerning man’s redemption. That unchanging love and accompanying sacrifice remain the backbone of the Church’s testimony in preaching the gospel.

But there is another John 3:16 that is seldom quoted in our churches. Found in St. John’s first general Epistle, the Bible references the words of Jesus in the Gospel account and then challenges us to follow Christ’s example by loving the brethren as God has loved us. Indeed, Jesus commanded us to love one another just as He loved us (John 15:12).

Loving others as Jesus loved us is a call to a selfless life where we do not major on our own things but are concerned about the things of others (Philippians 2:4). It is bearing the burdens of others, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). It is taking advantage of every opportunity God presents to do good unto all men, especially those in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

To fulfil the above, we must start seeing others in the image of God in which they were created. Then whatever we do to them will be as unto God (Matthew 25:40). Secondly, we must always see ourselves as the extension of Jesus to others, doing for them what Christ would have done. Surely, if He died for them, there is nothing else He would not do to bring them into the fullness of God’s blessings.
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FURTHER BIBLE READING: GALATIANS 6:1-10.
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EXERCISES
1. What new insight have you gained from the above message? Please write it down in your journal.
2. What would be your prayer points and what are the steps you will take?
3. If you have been blessed by this message, please share it with your friends and loved ones. Tell a friend about what you learned from Today’s Message. Let’s spread the word of God together.

TODAY’S MESSAGE
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