1st John 3:14. “We know we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” WE LOVE. I know it when I see them – my heart is warmed at the sight. They turn to look and greet me – the bands we share immediate resonate. The voices of the brethren are like music – I long to hear them speak. The pressure of their hands is welcomed – it means all is well
Even when I can’t see them – the words they write are precious. Sometimes I can hear their voices – and I smile as I hear them through the air. News comes from far away – and I picture them in my mind. I visualize their faces, families and work – and I pray.
The dark world around may hate us – but the love of the brethren gives joy. We have left the atmosphere of the dying – love of the brethren gives evidence of life. The unhappiness around depresses – love of the brethren gives spring to my step. The questioning of the obvious makes uncertainty – love of the brethren reassures.
Within me is a proof, of the which I cannot deny. Love for the brethren is there which money cannot buy. There is evidence in my soul constantly maintained – Love for the brethren is there; by the Spirit it is sustained.
From the beginning of my new life, love for the brethren was there. Now many years have passed and it is a greater love we share. I really wonder sometimes why it doesn’t fade away – But I think it the work of God that family-love every day.
“They really are dear to my heart Father God: these children of Thine have so much that is special about them. It takes time to analyze why this love is so sustainable and I haven’t got it all figured out yet – but this I do know, I love them because they love Thee – and so do I. Amen.”
How do we lay down our lives for others with the same concern our Lord had when He "laid down His life for us?" His example was more than doing some great deed like He did when He gave His life for us on the cross. The "world's goods" are those things we have access to in order to live and maintain life itself. We have these to give, and keep on giving over a period of time to provide for the needs of other people. This is not a superficial, casual or a spur of the moment action. Rather it is taking another person's problem and making it our own until the difficulty has passed. The sharing of goods, the meeting of emotional needs, the caring for those who hurt, the fact of going deeper than a "How are you?" greeting, are all involved in the "love of God" in us working out what it truly is. Love is not a covetous miserly person. Love is not one who is angry with his brother and has murder in his heart. "Bowels of compassion" need to be unlocked and used for love to be demonstrated.
The true love of God is not something we talk about or just sing about. This kind of love is lived out in actions of benevolence and kindness. It will show itself to many in general and to fellow believers in specific ways. It acts deliberately, compassionately and appropriately for the benefit of others.