The Importance of Love

Love is a good test of Christianity. Love is the result of being in Christ, and Him living in us. Love changes man’s: (1) heart, (2) home, (3) habits. Love causes man to have: (1) Christian actions, (2) Christian ambitions, (3) Christian attitudes, (4) Christian affections. Love wins friends, and love keeps friends.

I. The Principles of Love

A. Command—v. 11.

This “message” is the message of love. See 3 John 5–6. (story of time in Boston MA. area just before Christmas)

B. Comparison—v. 12.

Those who don’t love are like Cain, who hated and killed his brother—Genesis 4:1–8.

C. Christianity—v. 13.

Don’t be surprised if the world hates you. Compare with John 15:18–19.

D. Conversion—v. 14.

They know we are Christians by our love. First, we love Christ, and then we love others—Matthew 22:37, 39.

E. Chaos—v. 15.

Hate leads to murder and is equal to murder. Murder is the result of anger—Matthew 5:21–22.

F. Consecration—v. 17.

We must be willing to give our life for others as Christ gave His life for us—Matthew 22:39.

G. Concern—v. 17.

If we have plenty and do not help others in need, then the love of God is not in us. Love always gives—John 3:16.

II. The Power of Love

A. Proof—v. 19.

Our love shows that we know the truth. Jesus said He was the truth—John 14:6. Note also John 8:32.

B. Power—v. 20.

If we condemn ourselves God is greater and will remove this condemnation. See Romans 8:1.

C. Peace—v. 21.

When there is no condemnation there is peace. The Savior came to bring peace—John 14:27, Philippians 4:7.

D. Promise—v. 22.

If we live in His love we may ask what we need, and He will give it to us. Compare this with 1 John 5:14–15.

III. The Practice of Love

A. Command—v. 23

1. Believe on the name of Jesus, God’s Son.

2. Love one another, as He loved others.

B. Christianity—v. 24

1. Practice. Keeping His commands shows we are living in Him, and He in us.

2. Proof. Abiding in Him shows we have the Spirit—Romans 8:16.

Love is more than words; it is more than an occasional show of affection. It is the daily practice of God’s love in our life.

Having God’s love in our life will cause us to do the impossible: it causes us to love the unlovely. It helps the Christian to endure suffering, persecution and misunderstanding. This love helps us to be patient, kind and understanding. It will help us overlook man’s mistakes and failures; love sees man’s good points. It helps man to live as our Lord lived.