Love in Action - 1 John 3:11-18

In this section, John again returns to the subject of loving one another. This concept of "love one another" is a distinctly Christian virtue, it distinctly exemplifies the love of Jesus for humanity while he lived among us. God displays his love for humanity from creation to the present. Here John calls these believers to love one another in action, don't just say you love one another, demonstrate your love for one another in loving action, in loving deeds. Love is displayed tangibly by helping to provide for the life-sustaining needs of others. This is the distinguishing mark of believers, as Jesus reminds his disciples, "by this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among one another." (John 13:35) 1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church. Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.