Many people talk about love, but there is one problem: we do not do that always. For example, Cain kills his brothers because of his jealous v.12. That are always something that we are justified not to love others, e.g. we are in a bad mood, we are stress, the other party is a bad person...
However, John here tells us to love others is a test to see if we are Christians v.14. We know that we are Christians because we love. Do not be cheated. When we hate our brother we are murderer. I was tired last night when I came home from work. I do not have very good temper when I talk to my husband. Now I know the seriousness of my sin. It is the same as murder him.
In summary, we do not always love, but we know that love is a test to see if we are a Christian. Then what shall we do? (1) We have Jesus who dies for our sins (including the sin of murderer); (2) He becomes our example of how to love. Our position in Christ is secured by (1), and how to practice is taken care by (2). What kind of love are we talking about? The Bible is very practical. To give your money to those brothers in need is love v.17-18. Holy Spirit compels you to do good (feel pity v.17). Walk in the Spirit and we can love.
However, John here tells us to love others is a test to see if we are Christians v.14. We know that we are Christians because we love. Do not be cheated. When we hate our brother we are murderer. I was tired last night when I came home from work. I do not have very good temper when I talk to my husband. Now I know the seriousness of my sin. It is the same as murder him.
In summary, we do not always love, but we know that love is a test to see if we are a Christian. Then what shall we do? (1) We have Jesus who dies for our sins (including the sin of murderer); (2) He becomes our example of how to love. Our position in Christ is secured by (1), and how to practice is taken care by (2). What kind of love are we talking about? The Bible is very practical. To give your money to those brothers in need is love v.17-18. Holy Spirit compels you to do good (feel pity v.17). Walk in the Spirit and we can love.
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