Because we love the brethren

1 John 3:14

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

The Bible gives us many reasons that may serve to show us beyond doubt that we have passed from death unto life. This is by far the most glorious concept in the whole of the universe. I may actually know that I have transitioned from death unto life! I have been translated into the kingdom of His dear Son! I can know that I have eternal life! And we only have this eternal life because He has passed us across that great river. We have crossed already from the wilderness to the promised land. We have the possession already. And if we simply believe in Christ, and in Him that has sent Him, we have everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but are passed from death unto life. That is what Jesus Himself has said. Therefore, on the basis of the words of Christ, we can know! On the basis of the Word of God, we can know! And furthermore, by the witness of the Spirit within us, the Bible declares that we can know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us. Therefore, we can have certainty simply because of the Spirit’s witness. But there is one other witness that is ever-present, showing us that we belong to Christ. And it is our love for the brethren. Here the apostle says, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” If we love one another, as Christ has loved us and showed us the example, then we will know that we belong to Him. This is the greatest existential witness that you can depend on. If you love the brethren, you know without any doubt whatsoever that you belong to the Lord Jesus. If you do not love the brethren, then you may have reasonable doubt concerning whom you belong to.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren! We know! We have assurance and certainty because of our love for others! This is the birthmark, the defining characteristic of every true and legitimate Christian. They are manifested to others that they are a Christian by their love. By this shall all men know, says the Lord, that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. There is nothing that makes it more obvious than this. We ourselves can know in our hearts, and others will know of a surety that we are Christians and belong to Christ if we love others. This is the greatest and the only real test. This is the determining factor for every believer. And if you struggle with doubts, it may be this very reason! But, dear friend, you may be as many of us, who do love the brethren, but as we are told in Scripture, need to increase more and more. We should study to know and care for one another better. We should exert ourselves more to love others. And it may be uncomfortable, but we know that comfort was not a factor in the love of Christ when He died for us. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Let us, beloved, love one another, for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. But, he that loveth not his brother abideth in death! But we shall know, and we shall know better than ever before, that we belong to Christ, if we love the brethren!

“Dear Lord, how we praise you for the love that has been showed us through Christ. Herein is love! The love that Christ demonstrated by loving us first! Let us, Lord, exhibit this love to the brethren. For if we do not, how can we say that we are a Christian or belong to you? But when we love as you love, all doubts of our allegiance and belonging are once and for all removed. May our love for the brethren be only strengthened and broadened and deepened this day. And we ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”