1 John 3:11-24
Reflect
If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you are probably very familiar with John 3:16. It is one of the first verses we memorize. It shows up on cardboard signs in the background of TV interviews. It is indeed an amazing summary of the Christian message of God’s saving love for us and the eternal life we receive from Him through simple belief. It is fascinating to compare John 3:16 with 1 John 3:16. This verse is also about God’s love for us, that this love was most clearly demonstrated by Jesus when He laid down His life for us. At this point, however, the content of the verse makes an interesting shift. Where John 3:16 invites us to receive new life from God’s love, 1 John 3:16 tells us what we are to do with this new life and love, “And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” The love given to us by God is best and most fully experienced not when we receive it as an end in itself, but rather as we let it overflow through our lives to others.
Apply
Where do you need to experience God’s love today? How can you share God’s love today? What are some needs of others around you that you are aware of? Who are the people around you who do not yet know God’s love for them? How can you share His love with one of them in a tangible way in these next few days?
Pastor Lyle
Pray
- For those who need to be encouraged in heart and united in love.
- Pray through the prayer page in the bulletin.
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor (on sabbatical) and his family.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor Intern, Robyn Crown.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.