"What Does Love Actually Cost You — and Are You Willing to Pay It?" (1 John 3:11-16)

In today’s Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller offers a concise yet powerful reflection on 1 John 3:11–16, exploring what it truly means to love from a progressive Christian perspective. Using the story of Cain and Abel, he shows how hatred often begins as quiet, corrosive resentment rooted in our own unresolved issues, not just in the actions of others. Dr. Brad then unpacks John’s bold claim that love is defined not by feelings or words but by what it costs us, grounding this truth in his own journey as a cancer survivor and the sacrificial support he’s received from others. Listeners are invited to examine their hearts, recognize where resentment may be hiding, and take a concrete, costly step of love toward someone in need today, closing with a prayer and an invitation to deepen their study through the ABC 123 Bible Study Guide at VoiceOfGodDaily.com.Key TakeawaysHate begins as inner resentment, not external violenceUsing Cain and Abel, Dr. Brad explains that hatred often starts as a slow, corrosive resentment rooted in our own unresolved issues and choices.Other people’s goodness can expose our own discomfortAbel’s righteousness highlighted Cain’s inner turmoil. Likewise, people who irritate or unsettle us may be holding up a mirror to aspects of ourselves we don’t want to face.Love is defined by what it costs, not how it feelsJohn’s definition of love centers on Jesus laying down His life, making love a matter of sacrifice and self-giving rather than emotions or nice words.Progressive faith still takes the costliness of love seriouslyEven amid debates about atonement theology, this passage stands on its own: real love is revealed in what we are willing to give up for others.Everyday sacrifices are real expressions of Christlike loveDr. Brad’s experience with cancer shows love in action through friends and family who rearrange schedules, sit in waiting rooms, bring food, and show up when it’s inconvenient.Links referenced in this episode:voiceofgoddaily.comThe "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your lifeApplicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the readingA recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.A prayer for your day.A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)