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. 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? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” - 1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)

What does love for our fellow believers look like? Perhaps one of the unintended consequences of social media is that it has cheapened relationships. We can count our friends or popularity by the number of “friends” on Facebook or followers on Instagram or Twitter. There is even a social index that tells you where you rate in the social media world by their measures of engagement. You can also unfriend those who no longer suit you. We may have many friends, but our engagement can be shallow and temporary.

Scripture, on the other hand, talks about a deep kind of love for our fellow believers. John makes a bold statement: “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.” Think about that definition for a moment. That is a very high bar and indicates the seriousness of how we are to love one another.

When John talks about laying down our lives for one another, he immediately gets practical. “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?” True love is tangible and it costs something from us. It requires us to step into the lives of those among us who have needs and to help meet those needs. It is easy to say, “I’ll pray for you,” and harder to make a sacrifice of our time or open our wallet if that is required to help.

True love is practical. As John says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” It may be a meal, a phone call, a word of encouragement, helping with a financial need, watching someone’s kids - but whatever it is - our words are backed by actions that demonstrate our love and concern. Jesus set the standard for our relationships within the family of God.

Remember that in meeting the needs of fellow believers, you do it in the name of Jesus who set the standard for us. You will be amazed at how you are blessed in the process.

Do you know someone today that is in need? Think through those believers who are close to you and ask if there is a need you can meet. Ask Jesus to show you needs that He wants you to meet. If you know of a need, see if you can meet it. If you need the help of others, recruit some fellow believers. 

Father, I pray that you would sensitize my heart to needs among Your family. Just as You gave everything for me, I pray that You would give me joy in giving what I can for others. Amen.