Christian Living
Strong Words
May 17, 2011 at 1:41pm
1 John 3:10-18 By this it is made clear who take their nature from God {and} are His children and who take their nature from the devil {and} are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ). For this is the message (the announcement) which you have heard from the first, that we should love one another, [And] not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his deeds (activities, works) were wicked {and} malicious and his brother's were righteous (virtuous). Do not be surprised {and} wonder, brethren, that the world detests {and} pursues you with hatred. We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians). He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death. Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him. By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him]. But if anyone has this world's goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother {and} fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live {and} remain in him? Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory {or} in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). (Quick Amplified Bible)
STRONG WORDS
In a book titled UnChristian, reasons are listed why some non-Christians don’t like people who profess faith in Jesus Christ. Their major complaints have to do with the way some Christians act toward unbelievers. The unbelievers tended to view the Christians as being hypocritical, judgmental, harsh, and unloving toward people not like themselves. I’m sure you dislike hearing their view of Christians as I do. Sometimes there’s more truth in their perceptions than we wished there was. In 1 John 3, which begins with the words, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God!” (v.1), John introduces a sharp contrast: Believers love righteousness, keep themselves from sin, and love one another; nonbelievers practice sin, hate others, and abide in death. These are strong words! We are either followers of Jesus Christ or of the devil. We are like Cain or Abel (v.12; Genesis 4:8-15). John says that love for others is what proves we are genuine children of God (John 3:10, 18-19; 4:7-8). We can’t continue to practice sin and claim to be followers of Christ. Let’s always make sure our words and deeds back up our beliefs.
By
Dave Egner
O help us, Lord, to live our lives
So unsaved people clearly see
Reflections of Your loving heart,
Your kindness, and Your purity.
By
Sper
Following Christ has two requirements: Believing, and acting like you do.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
Encouraging writing to glorify the Lord. Thank you Clifford.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 959 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Clifford Tate or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 959 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.