1 John 3:16
“By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
Context:
John’s first letter emphasizes true fellowship with God, contrasting real love with empty words. In this section (1 John 3:11–18), he shows that love is proven in action, not just talk. Verse 16 mirrors John 3:16 in the Gospel—Jesus’ sacrificial love becomes the definition and model for ours.
Cultural Insight:
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In the ancient world, “love” was often seen as desire, friendship, or loyalty. John redefines it in terms of sacrifice.
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Roman society valued power, status, and honor. By contrast, John presents laying down one’s life for others as the highest form of greatness.
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The early church took this seriously—caring for the poor, adopting orphans, and even risking their lives during plagues when others fled.
Key Words in Greek:
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Agapē (ἀγάπη) – self-giving, sacrificial love; divine love that seeks others’ good.
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Ethēken (ἔθηκεν) – “laid down,” used of setting aside or surrendering. Jesus chose to give His life; it wasn’t taken from Him.
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Psychē (ψυχή) – “life, soul, self.” Not just physical life, but one’s whole being.
Hidden Truth:
Love is not proven by feelings but by costly action. Christ’s sacrifice defines love. For believers, this means real, tangible sacrifice for others—not just words of comfort but acts of care.
Application:
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Ask yourself: Does my love cost me anything?
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Look for opportunities to serve others sacrificially—time, resources, or comfort.
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True discipleship means following Jesus’ example of love that gives, even when it hurts.
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for showing me what true love is by laying down Your life. Teach me to love others in the same way—sacrificially and sincerely.”
#VerseOfTheDay #1John3 #LoveInAction #SacrificialLove
📖 Verse of the Day – 1 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.”
🌿 In seasons of grief, this verse reminds us of God’s love in action—a love that meets us in our deepest pain. That’s the heart behind my upcoming book, Walking Through Grief with God.
I’m now opening pre-orders to help cover the printing costs. If you’d like to reserve a copy and walk this journey with me, please reach out. Together, we’ll discover that even in sorrow, God’s love never fails. 💜
Walking Through Grief with God
Grief changes everything. It shakes your faith, alters your daily rhythms, and leaves you searching for hope in the middle of heartbreak. Walking Through Grief with God is both a testimony and a devotional guide, written to help you discover God’s presence in the darkest valleys.
Through honest storytelling, Scripture reflections, and practical prompts, this book invites you to:
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Find comfort in God’s promises when sorrow feels overwhelming.
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Process your grief with space to reflect, write, and pray.
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See how God’s love brings beauty and healing even through loss.
This isn’t a “quick fix” to erase your pain. It’s a companion for the journey—a reminder that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).
Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, walking alongside someone in pain, or seeking hope for tomorrow, Walking Through Grief with God will help you cling to the One who heals, restores, and still writes new chapters of your story.
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