3:16-18 What do we learn from what John says here?
3:16-18 What do we learn from what John says here?
Believers who profess to love their fellow-Christians must not only express that love in words, but in deeds also. We are only deluding ourselves thinking that we are saved if we have the wherewithal, but do not meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are wanting (cp Jas 2:14-26).
James teaches the same thing here as John does: the only faith that can save us is that demonstrated by works out of our love for God and for each other. Notwithstanding that we profess to love God, it will avail us nothing if we do not unconditionally and self-sacrificially help our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need (cp Ga 6:9-10).
God says that it is only our unconditional and self-sacrificial love that gives of itself for the happiness and well-being of our fellow-Christians that proves our love for him, perfects his love in us, and assures us of our place in His eternal kingdom (cp 1Jn 4:7-21). 1Jn 3:16 also confirms the deity of Jesus "... hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us". See also comments on 1Jn 2:7, 3:15.