Love One Another

Wesley Wright

Lighthouse Bible Church

Sunday, September 14, 2025

 

Title: Love one another

 

1Jo 3:11-17

 

By the time we get to 1 John 3, the author has already taken time to cover some pretty major themes. Jesus Christ is our propitiation, our Advocate, we are the sons of God, etc.

 

We should love one another, John writes, and those who have passed from death to life. But who is my brother, and how do I love my brother?

 

Here’s how not to do it: Gen 4:1-15

 

Don’t be like Cain — be righteous in your actions instead

 

Maybe your brethren include family members, but maybe not:

Mar 3:31-35

 

Your devotion to the brethren may cost you some familial relationships, too: Luk 14:26-35

 

Who is my brother? Your brothers are sons of God:

1Jo 3:1-3

 

Your brothers abide in the doctrine of Christ:

2Jo 9-11

 

For those who are married, your believing spouse is part of the brethren too:

Eph 5:22-33

 

Love the brethren, and don’t be surprised if the world hates you. We have an example — Joh 15:12-23

 

Jesus Christ warned the disciples that the world would hate them.

 

Mat 10:21-23

 

Many people of old ended up in peril in pursuit of the gospel, because they were hated: Heb 11:37-40

 

Those who don’t love the brethren abide in death,

1Jo 3:14-15 says.

 

1Jo 2:8-11

 

Mat 5:21-24

 

He that hates his brother is a murderer, and murderers will suffer the second death: Rev 21:6-8

 

We believers, by contrast, have passed from death to life because we love the brethren.

 

Joh 5:21-29

(emphasis on Joh 5:24)

 

Those who are born of God should love: 1Jo 4:16-21

 

How do I love my brother? God loved us by laying down his life for us:

Act 21:10-14

 

Love distinguished the disciples from others. Be willing to lay your life down, too: John 13:31-35

 

1Ti 5:1-2

 

Love drives forgiveness among those in the body of Christ, too: 1Pe 4:7-11

 

You will have to overlook some transgressions: Pro 19:11

 

Mat 18:21-35

 

Luk 23:33-43

 

Who is my brother?

Any abiding in the doctrine of Christ

Maybe kin, maybe not

Our love for them will distinguish us

 

How do I love my brother?

Seek their wellbeing

Be of service, be hospitable

Overlook their faults

 

The world will hate you because of your belief in the Lord Jesus. Remember to love the brethren in light of that fact — we are in the body of Christ.

 

God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son. We should serve others in the body of Christ with that in mind, having passed from death to life even now.