1 John 3:16-24
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
One of the definitions of a vital and small congregation is that when a need arises, people respond in love. Sure, we collect money every Sunday, and many times that doesn’t cover our expenses. But when the dishwasher breaks or there is a hole in the roof, people generously give. Sometimes, people give large amounts of money and volunteer work for youth groups and summer camps, and when the community is under attack by fire and floods. Of course, this is true of larger churches, but in the small church we not only “love in word and speech but truth and action.” I love being in a small church where people truly know and care for one another.
Our theme this year is “Bind Us Together, Lord” because we not only love our community and neighbors in mission, but our strength as a small church comes from being bound together in the love of God and each other. I believe this is what the writers of 1 John were conveying to their ancient small church.
Here's how I know-- The Gospel of John chapter 13 has Jesus saying to that small church: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
Therefore, 1 John finishes our reading with this: “And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them.”
Abide in us, Lord Jesus, as we abide in you through our love. Amen.
