1 John 3:16
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
When I look at this verse, I see three key thoughts within it. First, I see a perception; second, a price; and third, a principle. Allow me to share each of these with you for our devotional thought.
First, we consider the perception in the first phrase. The word “perception” means to be aware of, or to see. We are aware of the love of God, and can see his love for us. For those who are not aware of the love of God, all they need to do is look into the pages of his Word. His Word gives us awareness of how much he really does love fallen man.
Also, we see that Christ paid the ultimate price for every sinner. He gave his life for me and for you. He died when we were not aware of it. He died when man did not appreciate it. He died when man did not ask him to die. I’m glad that he knew what it would take to purchase our salvation. He knew the price, and was willing to pay it. He gave his life for mine!
Finally, we are left with a great principle. Just as Christ proved his love for us by laying down his life, we are to do the same for our brethren. You might wonder if any brethren have ever died for you. The answer is yes. Think about the blood of the martyrs of the early church that stood against Rome. Think about the brethren who gave their lives for the Bible to be printed. Think about the Baptists who died so we could put the name on our sign. Think about the Christian countrymen who died so we could have freedom of religion. What a principle that Christians have lived by down through the ages. Where did this dedication of love for each other come from? This principle is real because he gave his life for mine! Remember, if we will not live for Christ, then we will surely not die for him.