SEP 27

1 John 3:16
Memorise 1 John 3:16
“that ye love one another, as I have loved you”

Jesus sets the standard for us on how to love others, especially our brethren in the Lord. He loved us so much that while we were still His enemies, He died for us (Romans 5:8). Genuine Christ-like love knows no boundaries. It never says, “This far and no farther!” It is freely given and asks nothing in return. This kind of love will make one willing to give his life for another. It is different from the love that we see in the world.

This sort of love was evident in the early church. Christians were arrested and compelled to give up the names of their fellow Christians. If they didn’t they would suffer be put to death. The true Christian, John says here, would be content to suffer and even die if that would benefit his brother. The prophets, apostles, and martyrs did it, laying down their lives for the cause of Christ, for the good of God’s people and the truth of God’s Word.

Another more contemporary story is told of two teenagers in the Amish community of Pennsylvania. On October 2, 2006, an armed deranged man, with over 600 rounds of ammunition broke into the Amish school and opened fire. 11 young girls were injured and 5 died. It was indeed very tragic news. But as more news emerged, the courage, faith and love of two of them was revealed. According to the survivors, when Marie Fisher understood what the deranged man wanted to do, she made a request. “Shoot me first,” she said, and “leave the other ones loose.” As the oldest child in the group, she hoped that her death might somehow spare the others or provide more time for their rescue. Immediately after this, Marie’s younger sister stepped forward and bravely said, “Shoot me second”.

Dear teen, I am sure you will agree that this is a standard that is almost impossible to reach. Most, if not all of us, cannot measure up to it. This is something only God can do, through us. But if you have that kind of love in your heart, desiring always to obey God, there is hope. We can first begin to show more love to those around us. We must begin to put self aside, and to love others as we love ourselves. Remember true love is without discrimination. Jesus loved all kinds of people. Do you? It must be offered freely for Jesus did not require that people love Him first before He helped them. This love is filled with compassion for the poor and the outcasts of society. Calvary’s love is also sacrificial. Do you put others first?

Thought: We ought to be devoted to the service of our Lord, living or dying.
Prayer: More love for Thee, O Father in heaven, may I have for Thee and my brethren.