The Biblical Love

1 John 3:16 NASB95

16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

The word “know” means experiential knowledge.

How to know what really love is? What does real love looks like?

The definition of a Biblical love is this:

Jesus gave his life for us (voluntary and sacrificial love)

It pictures for us a shepherd willingly care, provide and protect his sheep againts dangerous animals like lion, bear…etc..

John 10:11

John 10:11 NASB95

11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Jesus is not obligated to give his life.. but he did out of love. He died for us as a substitute to pay the penalty of our sins so that you and I can be forgiven

1 John 2:12

1 John 2:12 NASB95

12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake.

Illustration: You are walking on the side of the river and you saw a drowning person. Many saw what was happening but no one dared to jump in and rescue the man…probably because no one knows how to swim or that they are just afraid…

listen to this, Just as you are not obligated to rescue a drowning man in the river…but if you do, it means you care for the life of that person, even if it means you could die…

we are all drowning in a river of sin….only Jesus knows how to swim and has the courage to rescue and so he alone can save us from drowning in sin...

look at 1 John 3:8

1 John 3:8 NASB95

8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

Application:

Walk and talk the Biblical Love in practical ways

Love in deed and truth (v.17-18)

Believe in the name of Jesus (v.23)

Remain in love with Jesus by keeping his commandments.(v.24)