1 John 3:16 - How do you spell L-O-V-E?

John's Gospel has a very well-known verse, John 3:16. The New Living Translation puts it this way:
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

It's an open invitation to accept God's love and forgiveness.

The apostle John also wrote three short letters. In an interesting coincidence,
1 John 3:16 reads:
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us..."

There's more to it than just knowing that Jesus died on our behalf. This "3:16" verse goes on to make an application:
"...Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."

Does this mean that we are all supposed to be martyrs, somehow? No.
What makes up a person's life? Most of us spend our waking hours making a living. Earning money. The next two verses explain practical ways that we can "give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."

17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

Father, fill our hearts with a genuine love that is demonstrated "by our actions," not just in giving money to charity, but showing compassion in our relationships. Give us opportunities and motivation to invest our lives in the lives of others. Amen.