1 John 3:16, commentary and pictures

Hereby we perceive the love of God because Christ laid down his life for us to save a perishing world so that whoever believes should not perish but have everlasting life. He did this by laying aside his royal robe and kingly crown, leaving the glory he had with the Father, clothing his divinity with humanity, and enduring suffering, indignity and death for guilty lost people. Because he so laid down his life, we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren, loving one another as he loved us in willing self-sacrifice even to death when duty requires. That laying down of life is love not in word or tongue only but in deed and in truth, shown when one who has this world's goods opens compassion and gives to a brother or sister in need rather than shutting up the heart. Love for the brethren is the proof that one has passed from death unto life and is a child of God, while he that loves not his brother abides in death, for hatred is opposed to this love and is likened to murder.

God's Love Revealed in Christ

Hereby we perceive the love of God because Christ laid down his life for us, giving himself to save a perishing world so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. That perceiving lays obligation on believers to lay down their lives for the brethren and to love one another as Christ loved them, cultivated rather than spent in exposing variances. Such love must be not in word or in tongue only but in deed and in truth, shown by opening compassion and giving of this world's goods to a brother or sister in need rather than shutting up the heart, for withholding help shows his love does not dwell in the one who withholds. This deed-love proves believers are of the truth and assures their hearts before God, fulfills his commandment to believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, and marks discipleship so all know them, for without brotherly love no one can love God and without Christlike love the case will go against them in the courts of heaven.

He showed that love by laying aside his royal robe and kingly crown and stepping down from his high command, clothing his divinity with humanity to stand at the head of humanity and reveal what human beings can become by receiving his power. He left the glory he had with the Father before the world was, took the form of a servant, and endured suffering and indignity for guilty lost people, being wounded for transgressions and bruised for iniquities, bearing the chastisement that brings peace and healing by his stripes. He patiently endured every indignity and scorn, agonized in the garden over the cup, and had hands and feet wounded for guilty lost men, a love so great it cannot be told that leaves no room for gratifying self, neglecting the Word of God, or serving the world as god. Where the world is served the love of God has departed, and his followers cannot make the same sacrifice he made from command and glory, yet his self-sacrifice is the example for a life spent serving others.

He gave his life in the agony of Gethsemane, passing through his last terrible trial so that sinners might not perish but have eternal life, and in his death on the cross of Calvary. Looking to the cross reveals the magnitude of that love and calls those who receive it to serve him and obey his commandments. He now stands in the presence of God as High Priest and Head, with believers as his beloved household who through him and with him may enter the true tabernacle not made with hands. Because he so loved them they ought to lay down their lives for the brethren in self-sacrificing love, serving rather than commanding and living in unity. That love melts and subdues the heart and gives thorough conversion to those whose course separates them from their brethren and brings discord, dissension, contention and strife, making them tender-hearted, pitiful and courteous, much in prayer, exercising faith, and leaving on associates the impress of Christ's character.

He laid down his life both by spending his life in ministry for others and by dying a shameful death on the cross, and those he died for ought in return to spend their lives laboring for others by improving every opportunity to speak for the Master so others may see the beauty in him. He spared not his own precious life for his professed people, giving the perfect pattern of a life without selfish interest and ever marked with disinterested benevolence. Because of that sacrifice constant doing is required and the least manifestation of selfishness greatly displeases God, who becomes weary of his people when they become weary of well-doing. Every selfish, covetous person will fall out by the way and be sifted out, selling good principles and a noble, generous disposition for a little of earth's gain as Judas sold his Lord, while those who want heaven must with all energy encourage the principles of heaven, refusing to wither up with selfishness, expanding the soul with benevolence, and doing good to one another.

As Creator of this world and Majesty of heaven his condescension in coming to men was without parallel. In return for that love he was despised and rejected of men and at last killed, which was Satan's work done by men gathered under Satan's banner. That the Creator should be treated with such contempt was a marvel to the angels of heaven. His sorrow was not on his own account but for the sins of the people, because he realized their condition, so that he wept over Jerusalem which kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, because he would often have gathered her children as a hen gathers her brood under her wings and they would not, leaving their house desolate.

His gift was personal for each person, so that because he gave his life you belong to him fully in body, soul and spirit and he is your helper to be trusted for blessing. That same love that withheld not his own life to save each person for happiness and joy forevermore proves he will not leave anyone to themselves but will take them into his care and never forsake them, giving reason to trust him, banish fear, and be cheerful and thankful. He gave his life for Philip and Peter, and for his sake they ought to give themselves to God by rising in their God-given manhood, fitted to help bind their family together as only the Holy Spirit can work in them to do his will. He gave it for the sick and afflicted, for sinners without hope, for those bent on dishonorable conduct and not Christians, and even for disobedient children, and he will receive all who will come to him to heal the maladies of the soul.

His death shows how high a value God places upon every human soul, because he gave his Son for redemption. God claims every soul as his own by creation and doubly by purchase through the precious blood of Christ, and all were created in his image. Therefore no one is given liberty to speak contemptuously of another, even though faults and weaknesses are seen, and God will hold accountable anyone who speaks even one word of contempt against a soul for whom Christ laid down his life. Even the most degraded are to be treated with respect and tenderness, and those who follow Christ should show tender sympathy and love in practical care, not give to religious causes in a way that deprives needy people and their families of food. The better people know the Lord, the more they appreciate those for whom he gave his life, and they are glad to become acquainted with one another.

His death is evidence of his love that proves his goodness and his word trustworthy, and the guarantee by which people become Christians. Remembering that he gave his life helps trust in his infinite love even when the world does not esteem, and looking to the Saviour changes the beholder. Going through life under a cloud of condemnation, measuring his love by feelings, and doubting his promise to forgive and save hurts the heart of Christ. Because he died to save, those burdened by sins are to trust his word implicitly as his sons and daughters, meet the conditions, roll the burden of sins upon the Saviour, trust themselves with him for life, grasp the hand of infinite power, and take the rest he promises instead of manufacturing grievous burdens and refusing to come to him for life that measures with the life of God.

The full breadth of this love was not understood at first, but only after his sufferings, crucifixion and resurrection and proclamation that he is the resurrection and the life, his appearance to the five hundred in Galilee, his ascension, and the revealing of that love when the Holy Spirit rested on them at Pentecost. After witnessing his death, resurrection and ascension and receiving the Holy Spirit the disciples began to understand what the love of God comprehended and the love they were to exercise toward one another. That required love is broad and full, the testimony to the world that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, the test and measurement of genuine religious experience and sanctification through the truth, and the clear divine standard and pattern for conduct on all occasions. The love of Christ in the heart works like leaven with life-giving power to bring all of mind and soul and strength into complete harmony with the divine life, through the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

Believers Ought to Give Themselves

Because he laid down his life, those who perceive that love ought in return to lay down their lives for the brethren, loving one another as Christ loved them with willing self-sacrifice even to death when duty requires it. This is a life of conflict and sacrifice in which duty is chosen over inclination, loving the brother as Christ loved rather than hating like Cain, whose jealousy cruel as death slew his brother because his own works were evil. Such brotherly love marks the children of God and proves passing from death unto life, while he that loves not his brother abides in death.

That laying down of life means spending life laboring for others and serving rather than commanding, living in unity and harmony instead of dissension and working at cross-purposes. He laid down his life both by spending his life in ministry for others and by dying a shameful death, and those he died for ought in return to spend their lives laboring for others. This is done by improving every opportunity to speak for the Master so that others may see the beauty in him, cultivating brotherly love and tenderness of heart.

His sacrifice makes any sacrifice believers make seem small by comparison, even sacrifices made in the path of duty. Yet love for him and duty to God can still require giving up even precious comforts, such as the comfort of being with a beloved child.

His love is the measure of love for the brethren, so great it cannot be told, reaching even to giving one's own life for a brother. That measure leaves no room for gratifying self, neglecting the Word of God, serving the world as god, or living for selfish pleasure, for where the world is served the love of God has departed. Instead those for whom Christ gave his precious life are to withhold nothing from God but give themselves freely to his service, using what God has entrusted to them, including means and influence, to benefit others and win people to Christ.

Receiving from God obligates imparting to others, for those who receive Christ by purposeful faith that appropriates God's richest gifts receive power to become sons of God and receive of his fullness grace for grace in order to give to others. In this way the verse sets the law of unselfish, self-sacrificing love for fellow men that binds institutions as well as individuals and expresses both the law and the gospel joined together in a perfect whole. Once an institution has gained a standing place with strength and influence it must not remain self-centered reaching for greater facilities for itself but must reach out to aid other instrumentalities of God in greater need, and such self-sacrificing love is the greatest evidence of sincere adherence to God's law and true allegiance to the Redeemer.

The verse holds out the privilege of becoming sons and daughters of God, born of God and made partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world through lust, so that continuing in sin leaves no excuse. This comes by more than nominal faith, theory of truth, or legal religion, but by purposeful faith that appropriates the richest gifts of God, pleading for the gift in order to give to others and proving that God dwells in them by loving one another as God loved them.

Love in Deed and Truth

Laying down life for the brethren is love not in word or in tongue only but in deed and in truth, and such deed-love proves that the truth is in the heart. It marks those who have passed from death unto life by loving one another, in contrast to hatred like Cain's, and it stands against dissension and strife, selfishness, hardness of heart, moral defilement and spiritual pride, being lived by faith which works by love and purifies the soul. This love is broad and full, the testimony that Christ is formed within, the test and measurement of genuine religious experience and sanctification through the truth, working like leaven with life-giving power to bring mind and soul and strength into complete harmony with the divine life. Living it gives assurance of being of the truth before God, a heart that does not condemn, confidence toward God, and answered prayer through keeping His commandments and doing what pleases Him, believing on the name of Jesus Christ and loving one another, and dwelling in God with God dwelling in the believer by the Spirit.

That deed-love is shown when one who has this world's goods opens compassion and gives to a brother or sister in need rather than shutting up the heart. Withholding help when seeing need, loving only in words, is inconsistent with God's love, for if compassion is shut up the love of God does not dwell in him. Christ's love in the heart is revealed in tender compassion for those for whom He gave His life, and living out God's Word in daily service belongs to the Christian life.

The same practical sympathy must bear fruit in daily family life through unselfish conduct and Christlike character, with faith shown in the home. Tender sympathy and practical care must not give to religious causes in a way that deprives needy people and their families of food. Setting this dying love before children, even disobedient children for whom Christ died, shows them their wrong, melts the heart, and leads to repentance, confession, asking forgiveness, and a subdued and converted heart, since wrongdoing grieves Christ and grieves the Spirit of God.

In wider service it means refusing to look on with indifference and instead working earnestly, generously and self-sacrificingly to restore health, activity and prosperity to God's sick and feeble institutions, to lift the burden of debt from them, and to help those in distress and in need, which is a good and generous work in behalf of those of the household of faith. For those taking in hand the work on the sanitarium this means putting the heart into the work and preaching sermons every day by faithful actions, so the building goes up mingled with prayer and faith while angels move among the workers. Those who work in medical institutions should put their whole soul into their duties, motivated by love for the people for whom Christ gave His life.

It means earnest, unselfish labor for the salvation of souls, for Christ's giving His life creates a debt of love that constrains believers to do all in their power to help suffering humanity and to live to save the souls for whom He died. Those who receive His love must become co-workers with Him who came to save the lost, with hearts full of His Spirit loving all for whom He suffered and died, helping those they meet and staying closely connected to Christ who offered Himself for a perishing world. That debt requires laying aside selfish interest and financial gain to labor in His vineyard, bearing the burden of souls, learning how to win people to the truth, disseminating light that expresses faith, and offering means and efforts with self-denial and self-sacrifice to spread the message of truth to places that have not heard it.

Test of Genuine Faith

Love for the brethren is the rule of Christian brotherhood, proving that one has passed from death unto life and is a child of God, while he that loves not his brother abides in death. This brotherly love is the opposite of hatred, which belongs to spiritual darkness and death. Hatred is opposed to this love and is likened to murder, as with Cain whose jealousy cruel as death hated and slew his brother because his own works were evil, and no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. Those who claim to belong to God must show His love by how they treat others, healing and blessing rather than wounding them.

This love is broad and full, the testimony to the world and the credential that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. It is the test and measurement of genuine religious experience and sanctification through the truth, the clear and explicit divine standard for conduct and the pattern on all occasions. The love of Christ in the heart works like leaven with life-giving power to bring all of mind and soul and strength into complete harmony with the divine life, bringing sanctification of the soul and the faith which works by love and purifies the soul. Living this love gives assurance of being of the truth before God, a heart that does not condemn, and confidence toward God. That confidence brings answered prayer through keeping His commandments and doing what pleases Him, believing on the name of Jesus Christ and loving one another, and dwelling in God with God dwelling in the believer by the Spirit given to us.

It joins love to God and love to neighbor as the two great precepts on which hang all the law and the prophets, expressing God's love in life and character in treatment of fellow men. Love to God must be revealed in love to brethren and sisters, loving God supremely and neighbor as self with a love that does not compromise with sin. Without brotherly love no one can love God, and without Christlike love for one another discipleship fails so that the case will go against them in the courts of heaven, though such deed-love marks discipleship so all men know them. Perceiving Christ's love in giving His life for sinful beings humbles and subdues the heart, removing pride and wrestling for supremacy and all desire for self-exaltation. That love melts and subdues those whose course separates them from their brethren and brings discord, dissension, contention and strife, enabling them to live with their brethren here in peace and harmony in preparation to live with them in heaven.

The converted person thus moved sees Christ's life of humility and walks in His footsteps, awakened to missionary spirit so he cannot rest until trying to win souls and wanting everyone to know the preciousness of the Saviour's love. That love is revealed in words and deportment in love, kindness and tenderness for those under his charge, joined with faithful discipline and order, giving heart service and not lip service, while abiding in Christ by faith makes sin appear revolting and establishes him more firmly in the truth through temptation and trial. Cherishing that love and drawing closer to the Saviour makes believers tender-hearted, pitiful and courteous, much in prayer, exercising faith, and leaving on associates in their single passage through this world the impress of Christ's character. The verse presses the decision on whose side one stands, the side of the adversary or the side of Christ who kept His Father's commandments, a decision set before an interested Sabbath congregation including those keeping their first Sabbath and before seven candidates at a baptism. Those who hope in Him must take His side against evil and speak the truth in love.

It rebukes a cheap Christian character and cheap profession, which does more harm in the world than the character of a worldling, because professed Christians mislead others when they claim to represent Christ while failing to show His character. It calls for manliness and firmness in Christian character. Its focus on love is a call to dwell more on God's love by turning attention from gloomy thoughts about evil to the goodness, love, and compassion of Jesus. Committing these words to memory brings great blessing.

Unity Service and Character

Brotherly love stands against dissension and strife, against selfishness, hardness of heart, moral defilement and spiritual pride. It is lived by faith which works by love and purifies the soul, and by giving this world's goods to a needy brother instead of shutting up compassion. That laying down of life is love in deed and in truth, not in word or tongue only, proving the truth is in the heart and that believers have passed from death unto life by loving one another. It is lived in serving rather than seeking to command, in remaining united in love for one another and for perishing souls, in working in harmony, in cultivating tenderness of heart, and in repenting of working at cross-purposes which greatly dishonors God. It is lived in personal deeds of goodness, love and truth and in heavenly conversation while looking for the Saviour, springing from wise and unconditional surrender to God kept from evil while remaining in the world.

This love forbids crowding and pushing a brother because he does not see alike, and forbids harsh, discourteous treatment even when his views seem questionable. It forbids harshness, discourtesy, and oppressive use of position or office. It requires Christlike courtesy, forbearance, kindness and self-sacrifice at all times and under all circumstances. Those in responsibility especially must be an example of a gentle, forbearing spirit toward brethren with whom they disagree, worthy of imitation. Love is lacking when people will not sacrifice even their opinions or judgment to save a brother who has gone wrong, for that unwillingness displays selfishness, while true care approaches him tenderly and humbly, mindful of one's own weakness.

Willingness to sacrifice personal feelings and ideas to help the brethren belongs to this love, laboring in harmony despite differences, refusing to let trifling differences destroy fellowship, and standing by one another in service. It requires losing sight of self for Jesus rather than studying what is agreeable, respectable, profitable, pleasant, convenient or advantageous for selfish interests. Love to God must be revealed in love to brethren and sisters, loving God supremely and neighbor as self with a love that does not compromise with sin, shown in works bearing the meekness and gentleness of Christ and loving the brother as Christ loved, the opposite of Cain whose jealousy cruel as death hated and slew his brother because his own works were evil. Those who claim to belong to God must show His love by how they treat others, healing and blessing rather than wounding them. Copying His example means true politeness, deference and respect for others as natural graces from a heart full of kindness and sympathy, manifesting great tenderness toward His sheep and lambs as the fragrance of the gospel in action.

The verse is to be studied by youth, students in schools and sanitariums, and workers in printing offices, and its instruction is to be heeded, believed and practiced, especially by instructors and leaders. It holds out the wonderful possibility of becoming sons and daughters of God and of walking uprightly in a crooked and perverse generation, showing the contrast between the principles of Christ and the principles of Satan. It means learning meekness and lowliness from Christ so His yoke is easy and His burden light, being witnesses for God by a daily life kept by the Saviour's power, and serving God as a pleasure not as a task. It means keeping God's own sacred fire and not common fire, never speaking one harsh, passionate, rash word that could ruin a soul but speaking as Christ spoke with courtesy and respect, and keeping hereditary and cultivated tendencies under control while the character is daily refined, sanctified and purified.

Physicians who stand before the sick and afflicted subdued by suffering have the duty and privilege, as the great Physician's helpers, of leading them step by step to Him who gave His life for the life of the world. Sharing His self-giving love requires a purified, refined, sanctified character and constant striving to reach perfection in Christ, and constant improvement makes physicians in God's hands the means of leading many to give their hearts to Christ, which is the greatest recommendation for medical missionary work. For His sake believers ought to give themselves to God by rising in their God-given manhood, which fits them to help bind their family together, and only the Holy Spirit can work in them to do His will.

The love shown in giving His life sets the true moral standard of the gospel that must not be perverted. Only a deep sense of personal ruin teaches sincere love for Christ and proper gratitude for His sacrifice, calling for walking closely to His example in humility and humbleness of mind, and for taking care not to harm the flock of God by precept or example. That love for Him should lead to trying to overcome faults and doing what pleases God. Because He gave His life for each person, those who claim Him should have moral perception to see the influence of their actions on themselves and on others, and His watching presence rebukes lifting the cup of beer with the godless who refuse truth and salvation, violating a solemn pledge, remaining defiant and without sorrow when told such habits unfit for connection with God's work, and calling faithful reproof persecution.

This gift supplies powerful, high and holy motives for daily life, with God's purpose that people shall ever move upward in continual growth in grace even in the smaller duties of common life, and Christ's laying down of His life furnishes the incentive to be wholly successful in formation of Christian character. It should give gladness of heart every day, keep believers in hope and courage and faith, and move them to praise God much more and show gratitude for all this. Those who trust in Him keep humble, meek and lowly in heart, speak no words of unbelief, and in turn communicate His light to others, awakening courage, hopefulness and joy in the Lord in many contrite and humble hearts. Their lives and conduct should represent Him, with hearts changed through faith in His merits and practice of the truth, His strength enabling development of Christlike character expressed in kindness, sympathy, courtesy and righteous dealings with others. The Gift is to be appreciated in daily life and glorified by an army of workers going forth in service.

Each day, each hour, each moment weaves personal destiny, with every act a thread that either mars or beautifies the life God designed to be bright and beautiful. Carelessness, indolence, following selfish inclinations and unchristlike habits spoil that life and bind with bands of steel, and turning away from Christ draws many others after a wrong example so they never enjoy the glories of heaven. Making brave efforts to overcome selfishness and allowing no opportunity to pass for helping those around gives a light of example that guides others to the cross. Because He gave His life personally, the believer belongs to Him fully in body, soul and spirit, and He is the helper to be trusted for blessing through courage, taking everything to Him in prayer, believing He helps, giving thanks, believing promises, walking by faith, keeping the mind stayed on Him, committing His words to memory, and overcoming every day as one taught by Him.

That love, perceived in giving His only begotten Son so that whoever believes should not perish but have everlasting life, requires those who believe and love Christ to love the souls for whom He gave His life and in return to lay down their own lives for the brethren. This means becoming servants of His love and His helping hand, bringing a thank and gratitude offering of self, letting time, talents, affections, possessions and undivided energies flow to the world in earnest, energetic, persevering unselfish service, cooperating with God to carry forward His plan for salvation and reveal the beauty of His truth. The Lord's giving His life puts all who receive it under debt to Him, requiring laying aside selfish interest and financial gain to labor in His vineyard, bearing the burden of souls, learning how to win people to the truth, and disseminating light that expresses faith. To use one's powers for self and to sell what gives no light denies what is owed for His sacrifice and turns the character to a worldly stamp aside from the convictions of God's Spirit.

Christ's self-sacrificing love is the pattern for complete self-denial throughout the community. Believers must love one another, lay down their lives for fellow believers, love their brethren as themselves, and put away disunity. Those who cannot live in agreement together cannot reign together in heaven.