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"Anyone who says, "I am in the light"
but rejects another Christian is still in darkness.
But anyone who loves other Christians is walking in
the light and does not cause anyone to stumble. Those
who reject other Christians are wandering in spiritual
darkness and don’t know where they are going,
for the darkness has made them blind."
"If we love other Christians, it proves that
we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person
who doesn’t love them is still dead. Anyone who
hates another Christian is really a murderer at heart.
And you know that murderers don’t have eternal
life within them. We know what real love is because
Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought
to give up our lives for our Christian friends. But
if one of you has enough money to live well, and sees
a brother or sister in need and refuses to help—how
can God’s love be in that person? Dear children,
let us stop just saying we love each other; let us
really show it by our actions."
— New Living Translation
What do you think?
- What’s the difference between generosity
and sacrifice?
- How does it make you feel when others say they
care about you, but don’t show it?
- Are there Christians that you really don’t
like to be around? Why?
- Christians really have two families: Biological
and ___________________?
- How have other Christian friends showed you they
really care about you?
- Would you give up anything for a member of your
spiritual family? REALLY?
What does God think?
John says that those who think they’re Christian
(2:9), but don’t show love to other Christians
are blind (2:11). What are they blind about (hint:
1 Jn. 2:4)?
What do you suppose it means to "reject"
(2:11) or "hate" other Christians (3:15)?
How do unloving attitudes or actions affect others
(2:10).
What "proves" that we have eternal life
(3:14)?
What "proves" that we don’t have eternal
life (3:14b-15)?
John says "hate" is like "murder"
(3:15). Why is he using this illustration (hint: Mt.
5:21-22; 15:19)?
What is John telling us by comparing love with Jesus’
death (3:16)?
Because of Christ’s example (3:16), do you think
John expects us to love all Christians the same as
we do our close friends?
Do you think that showing love for other Christians
is limited to meeting material/physical needs (3:17)?
To Consider: The meaning of "hate" is sacrificing
others for your own sake, while the meaning of "love"
is sacrificing yourself for the sake of others.
Now that you know these things . . .
- Why is it so hard to connect with other believers who aren’t so "lovely?"
- Do you REALLY love all Christians the same, or are you only showing love for your friends [BE HONEST!]?
- Identify a time when you went beyond convenience, kindness, or generosity and showed love for another Christian who wasn’t your friend.
- How can you begin building sacrificial love into your relationships with family, friends, and the not-too-friendly?
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