“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” – 1 John 3:16
Christ’s love for you isn’t some vague positive feeling. It isn’t a bumper sticker slogan or cheery greeting card. His love is an enduring, eternal reality He proved through His suffering and death on a cross. Christ’s love is real and sacrificial unto death! His broken body and shed blood testifies to how deeply and truly He loves you. His sacrifice is the very definition and example of true love for Christians.
That’s where things become challenging for us! Jesus invited and commanded us to follow Him. We are to love fellow Christians the same way Jesus loves us. We’re called to live sacrificially and generously toward ALL our brothers and sisters in Christ. We’re called to deny ourselves and our preferences for the good of our brothers and sisters, even the ones who might be difficult to love. This part isn’t optional – if we’re understanding and embracing Christ’s love, we must be willing to show that same love to fellow believers (and not just our friends within our church).
Would you willingly sacrifice and die for fellow believers? Not just abstract believers, but each and every face you know from church life, all the flawed, imperfect, and hypocritical people who comprise the beautiful bride of Christ. Do you love them enough to set down your preferences, conveniences, comforts, and status? Do you love them enough to suffer for them? Jesus did and He calls us to do the same!