The next installment in my series on 1 John, this time looking at 1 John 3:11-24.
What is the test for having the truth? Is it purely a test of logic or of theological statements? Don’t get me wrong, Christians must have their theology correct, but truth goes beyond that. John gives us some teaching that helps to balance the intellectual side of our faith.
John begins with warnings about sin and an acknowledgment that the world hates those who follow Jesus. This would fit well within modern understandings of what is important. But John makes a very interesting comment with regard to these things. The real test to determine who belongs to Christ is that of love.
John echoes the sermon on the mount when he equates hatred with murder. It is not enough to hold the hatred in our heart and just keep from actual killing. The hatred we have toward another (in this context another Christian), is equal to murder in the sight of God.
What kind of love are we to have? The example is that of Jesus. Jesus showed love by laying down his life for us. In the same way, we should lay down our life for others. It may not be an actual death, but it should be self-sacrificial love. Those who have the means must not withhold support from those in need. What if they misuse our support? That is not the problem of the giver. It is not enough to just feel love for a person, that love must include action. John is saying something here that is very similar to what is in James’ letter.
What is a Christian to do? A Christian is to believe in Jesus and to love others. We don’t have to get fancy, this is the essence of the Christian faith. It must have a vertical and horizontal component. If either part is missing, we have an incomplete faith.
- 1 John
- John
- Love
