My dear little children don’t let us simply say that we love but love in truth with our actions. Let us show them our love sincerely. (1 John 3:18)
Do
you love your people? All of them? Do you show them your love sincerely;
earnestly, as John urges? Don’t answer too quickly. Take a moment. Read the
preceding verses (3:16-17) for an example of what this passage is talking
about.
John
reminds the readers of the way Jesus showed His love and establishes that total
sacrifice is the standard for every believer. Then, he gives a striking,
practical example. “Whoever has the means to help when he sees his brother in
need, but doesn’t help him, how can he say that the Spirit of God and His love
lives in him?” This is a very direct challenge. Especially to you who have
substantial means. Your people should know you love them, because at every
opportunity you must care for one of them, you do it. High standard? You bet –
but not inconsistent with the rest of Scripture. Anyone can say they love. Most
will give if it’s not too hard or too much. Jesus taught simply to give. It may
be money – yes. But your means may be time or knowledge or influence. Or it may
simply be genuinely caring when no one else does.
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