LOVE IN ACTION AND TRUTH
By this we know what loveG26 is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we oughtG3784 to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the loveG26 of God abide in him? Little children, let us loveG25 not in word and speech, but in action and truth.
1 John 3:16-18 (BSB)
G3784 ὀφείλω opheílō – Metaphorically, to be bound or obligated to perform a duty, meaning I ought, must . . .
The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, Spiros Zodhiates, ed.
1 John 3:16 – He laid down His life for us. This expression is unique to John (John 10:11, 15, 17, 18; 13:37, 38; 15:13) and speaks of divesting oneself of something. Christian love is self-sacrificing and giving. Christ’s giving up His life for believers epitomized the true nature of Christian love (John 15:12, 13; Phil. 2:5–8; 1 Pet. 2:19–23). we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. God calls Christians to that same standard of love for one another as He had for us (see v. 16a).
MacArthur Study Bible
Jesus literally laid down His life for us when He died on the cross in our place. We are obligated as believers to exhibit this same kind of love toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. We may not be called to literally die in someone’s place, but our love should be exponentially self-sacrificing, always preferring others by putting their needs above our own. This is the standard of Christian love. We are to be servants rather than to be served above all else. The example given is that if we have means we should help those less fortunate than ourselves. It has been our experience that even brothers or sisters in Christ who have very little give freely to those who have less than themselves. There is no place for selfishness in God’s economy. We are to take care of one another. John sums it up by explaining that mere lip service won’t cut it, we are to love “in action and truth.” Over and over, as we have studied the Fruit of the Spirit “love,” we have found that it is a verb, an action word. There is a saying, “Put your money where your mouth is.” John is saying your actions should demonstrate the love you claim to have with your mouth. “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?” (James 2:15-16). James was talking about faith without works, but love without action is just as empty and useless. Sincere love is demonstrated in how we treat others. Are you being the hands of Jesus by showing your love to others through compassionate actions?
Father, help our deeds back up our words of love. Help us to be a blessing to others and to share what we have generously.