Verse of the Day for Tuesday, February 27, 2024

1 John 3:18 (NRSV)

 

Verse of the Day
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

1 John 3:18

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

1 John 3:18 is a verse from the First Epistle of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This epistle is traditionally attributed to John the Evangelist, one of Jesus Christ's apostles.

1 John 3:18 emphasizes the importance of expressing love through actions rather than just words. The phrase "Little children" reflects John's pastoral and affectionate tone, addressing the believers as members of a spiritual family.

Love in Truth and Action: This verse challenges believers to demonstrate their love in tangible and sincere ways. It implies that love is not merely a feeling or a concept to be discussed, but a guiding principle that should be evident in our actions and behaviors. The emphasis on "truth" suggests that genuine love is rooted in honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Practical Application: The call to love in action can be seen as an encouragement to engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and service towards others. It highlights the need for practical expressions of love, such as helping those in need, being patient and understanding, and forgiving others.

Contrast with Words Only: By contrasting love in action with love in "word or speech," the verse warns against empty declarations of love that are not backed by deeds. It suggests that words, while important, are insufficient to fully express love. True love is proven and strengthened through actions.

Spiritual Dimension: In a spiritual context, this verse can be interpreted as a call to live out the teachings of Christ in daily life. It encourages believers to embody the love of Christ in their interactions with others, reflecting the love that God has for humanity.

Overall, 1 John 3:18 is a powerful reminder of the Christian call to love actively and authentically, moving beyond mere words to impactful and genuine expressions of love in daily life.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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