1 John _3

Scripture 1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.Christian charity stands not in word but in deed, and proceeds from a sincere affection. (Geneva Study Bible)ObservationJohn is speaking of our adoption into the family of God through Christ Jesus. He exhorts us to love as the Father and his Son have loved us. Understanding1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?“Showing” someone love always takes more time and usually sacrifice.ApplicationShow our love to one another Laying down your life for our brothers and sisters might look like, not watching your favorite show so that you help them move, not purchasing a new toy for yourself this month so that you can meet a need, or staying a few minutes longer to talk after church.  It may look like giving someone your sweater when its cold, or taking them to lunch, or praying together. How wonderful it is that we have a community of brothers and sisters that we belong to here at Desert Streams Church where we can give and receive love from one another. "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King.