“For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters,[b] if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” 1 John 3.11-15
My friend Coach Zakk has a motto that he emphasizes to his basketball team as they end each huddle: “Love each other on three.” It’s simple but profound. Zakk knows the heart of the gospel, which is love. By teaching this to his players, Zakk is carrying on the love of Christ.
In a world where love is hard to come by, Jesus’ words ring true. The state of our nation, the world in which we live, and our neighborhoods all seek an answer to the meaning of life. From the beginning of time, when the son of Adam killed his brother, evil reigned. The spirit of this world—the devil—wants us to live in this hate. Those who are opposed to God hate Him and His will for humanity.
Yet we who are followers of Jesus are different. John says, “We have passed from death to life.” And how do we know this? Because “we love each other.” If you love, you are living in the life of Christ. But if you hate a brother or sister, John writes, that person is a murderer, and eternal life does not reside in them.
What’s the answer to the world’s problems? Love. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “If you are my disciples, you will love one another.” Love beats hate every time.
Jesus’ death on the cross was an act of love. He overcame death, hate, and sin by willingly dying to redeem humanity. He rose again because death could not hold Him.
Will you choose love today? Loving like Christ means we become conformed to His image, without sin, without shame, and without worry. For love covers a multitude of sins.
“O Lord God, You are good, and I love You. Even when the world is falling apart around us, You, Lord, are our Savior. You redeemed us by Your blood and are purifying us by Your love. Come now, Holy Spirit, and teach us to love one another. When our love fails, Your love remains steadfast. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen