16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.REFLECTIONSWritten by Mandy PonuswammyWhat is love? ‘Jesus Christ laid down his life for us’. This is no ‘Oxford dictionary definition’. This is much deeper and it’s massive! Notice it doesn’t say Jesus laid down his life for us because we earned or deserved it, in fact in Romans 5:8 we read that we definitely didn’t! John goes further to say we ought to do the same for our brothers and sisters. This is a huge command. We may not literally face the decision of whether to die for another person but we are called to sacrifice ourselves. The next verses continue, giving us an example of what this kind of sacrifice might look like. Part of laying down your life is helping those in need; even though it will cost you - whether it’s your time, your money, your comfort, your luxuries or your energy, to love and care for others. Maybe you’re like me and you find these verses challenging and scary. I find going back to verse 16 helpful.Firstly for the reminder that Jesus laid down his life for us - because we are sinners and we do, and will, fail. But Jesus has paid for our sins already by dying for us - what great comfort! Have you grasped this kind of love that Jesus showers on us?And secondly, verse 16 is helpful for the ultimate example of love that Jesus has shown us. Which reminds us to keep looking to him. To follow his example and pray - asking God for help to love others in the same way that he has loved us. How can we follow Jesus’ example and love our brothers and sisters in need?ABOUT THE AUTHORMandy is a member of our Bossley Park Morning Service.