Saturday, April 18, 2015
1 John 3:11-18
Loving one another is a central message throughout 1st John. This passage dramatically contrasts the ability to love, which requires laying down one’s life for others (v.16), with hate and murder (v. 15). The author refers to the example of Cain who is “from the evil one and murdered his brother” (v. 12). Cain appears throughout early Christian literature as villainous character, and here, his father is understood to be the “evil one,” perhaps meaning Satan. (Some ancient Jewish traditions portray the father of Cain as Satan). In this passage, the author particularly underlines the fact that love must be embodied in “truth and action” (v. 18). It is not enough to say, “I love you,” but one must be willing to manifest that love through action, even to the point of laying down one’s life for others. These are not easy teachings, but perhaps reinforce the need to remember those who have been willing to carry out such loving actions in order to assist other people. We do not always know about such people, although every day, individuals commit selfless acts, risking their lives, in order to help others. We need to be familiar with these stories and hold them close as they provide strength and can serve as models. Real people are our moral guides.
- Alicia Batten
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