1 John 3:14
What
we believe determines what we do. And we can find out what people really
believe by watching their life over time. We all have gaps between what we
state we believe and the way we live our lives. Most of us can overlook small
lapses in behavior if there is a repentant attitude. When people are willing to
admit their failure, it makes it much easier to forgive. But when there is a
self-righteous attitude, one that points fingers in every other direction, that
is when it is hard to forgive. Taking responsibility for one’s own actions is
key to repentance and forgiveness.
But
it seems as though there is a lack of responsibility taking happening in our
culture. Private email servers have their incriminating contents wiped clean
with no remorse, even though government business was conducted through that
server. Efforts to force school children to eat healthier even while personally
eating unhealthy food. Advocating for tax advantages for wealthy political
allies even while talking about removing corruption from the system. Talking
about how much Jesus means to us, but unwilling to help those who need the
help.
For
our writer, the love demonstrated toward fellow believers was a key indicator
of a person’s spiritual condition. And for him the equation was pretty simple.
If love isn’t there, there isn’t a relationship with God. No love, no life.
Love, life.
The
presence of love, a love that moves us to action, is a signal not just to the
outside world that Jesus is present, but it signals us as well. We can look at
our own lives, pay attention to the attitude of our heart, and know if there is
life present. Do we really have love for other people, or is it something we
paint on when others are looking? Do our internal feelings of genuine love
actually exist, or do we have to stir it up in order to carry out some action?
When Christ is truly present, love is truly present. He changes our hearts. We
begin to actually love others.
The
alternative to love is death! Love is not optional. Notice the “because” in our
text. We know we have the Gospel working in us because there is love
demonstrated in our lives. But sometimes we can even fool ourselves into
thinking that we have love, even while our lives demonstrate a contrary
opinion.
John’s
challenge to us is that love needs to transform us into people who demonstrate
love. This does not mean allowing an abuser back into our house, or into our
checkbook. Love is able to set limits. Love always protects. It always rejoices
with the truth. Love often says “No!”