1st John 3:11-18 LOVE ON DISPLAY Righteousness of life is an obvious testimony to the reality of a Christian's faith. Conduct is one thing in our lives that is on display every day, all day. A little bit of sinning can quickly negate the impact of all we might do that is right. Right living puts out in the open the actions of our lives that positively affects others. It doesn't really show the motivation behind the action. Love does.
Christian love puts the attitude of Christian faith and living right out where the true motivation behind the actions and words can be seen. Love is seen in the expressions of the face and hands. It is seen without respect of persons, in the genuine care for the well-being of others at the personal cost of the giver and is demonstrated openly and obviously. Right from the beginning of human history, love for God and love for others was the commandment built into those in fellowship with God who directed the interactions of their lives.
Characteristics of God are light and love. They were manifested when the human race began as He walked and talked with Adam and Eve. Each evening He would meet with them, that is before they sinned for the first time by acting on the subtle deceptive words of the devil. Then divine, holy light exposed their sin and they were shut out from the presence of God even though they were still loved by Him. Fundamentals of the Gospel message include both love and light. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son..." is how He demonstrated His love to us in spite of our sin. "...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" is how His light is demonstrated to us. On the legal basis of death for sin, God in love provided for us that which we could never have by our own efforts. John had heard that message from the Lord Jesus Christ. That love was made evident and unique when He came was through His teaching as new dimensions were clarified. It isn't only that we are to love God and our neighbors, but we are to love our enemies and those who persecute us. That love is seen when we do good to those who do bad to us. We are to bless those who curse us. That kind of love is shed abroad in the hearts of His children.