But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? (ESV)

Actions speak louder than words. We’ve probably all heard this saying and perhaps even used it as a weapon, connecting someone’s love for us with what they DO for us: “If you loved me, you’d do the dishes.” “If you loved me, you’d do the ….” You name it, and we can use it as “proof” that someone doesn’t actually love us. Okay, admit it — when was the last time you thought or said this?  

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In a way, our verse today is saying the same thing; except this time, it’s John saying it as an indication of our love for Jesus. OUCH. But this is not a “tit for tat” type of arrangement – you do for me, and I’ll do for you. Rather, it’s a pure love as a result of and outpouring from the love we receive from God. “See what kind of love the father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him” (1 John 3:1).  

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“By this, we know love, that he laid down his life for us,” – meaning Jesus died for us, “and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:16-17, emphasis added).

What does it mean to lay down your life for someone? Sometimes it means just that — think of our mighty military and first responders. They put their own life in the background and move to save others, no matter the risk to their own lives.  

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That’s an extreme example, and we won’t all be called to do that in the literal sense. But, we all have the call to place others’ needs before our own. Maybe it’s answering the phone in the middle of the night when a friend in need calls. You forgo your need for sleep to BE there for your friend. Maybe it’s being inconvenienced when a friend calls for a ride to their appointment.  

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What about if it’s someone you don’t really know or like? Are we to put our own needs aside for them? We are not to close our heart against them. Let’s say you’re coming out of Harvest Bread Company with your favorite loaf of bread. You rarely get down there, so this is a special treat. You stop at the light to turn onto Seward Highway, and a homeless person asks for help. Do you give them that loaf of bread? Or do you judge their circumstance, figure they’re getting what they deserve, and drive on?  

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See, it’s a matter of the heart. I guess I would ask, “Is God calling you to give that person your prized loaf of bread?” What then? Often times, I find God calls me when I least expect it. He puts a little nudge on my heart, and he asks me to step out in obedience. Do I joyfully obey because God joyfully gave his life for me?

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I’ll be honest — it’s been a journey. See, I’m the prime of example of “If you loved me, you would…” That’s how I understood love to be. When I looked at love as a transaction – you do this and then I’ll do that – my life was pretty bleak. So, experiencing God’s love and turning around to instead give God’s love has been a process, a sanctifying journey. As I have learned to listen for and hear his voice in my day-to-day life, I have begun to not only hear him, but also to experience (and accept) his love. Every day, I’m abiding more and more in God’s love. Now, when God calls me to give up that lovely loaf of warm bread, I joyfully give it knowing he joyfully gave his life for me. Is this making a lasting impact? Maybe not on that one homeless person, but it sure does on my sanctification and ability to make a bigger impact somewhere else.  

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Whether you resonate with my journey or not, you can make a lasting impact too. What resources has God freely given you that you could share with those around you? Don’t worry if it’s a struggle at first — as you begin to be obedient in the little things, God will soften your heart and help you give in the bigger things. And that’s how we make a lasting impact on this world — one small act at a time.

Father God, you are so, so good to us. You loved us even while we were still sinners. Even while we were betraying you. Even while we wanted to hoard all of our resources for ourselves. But you are kind and gentle, and you want more for us. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and goodness in sanctifying us. May we seek to make a lasting impact, one small deed at a time. In Jesus’ loving name, Amen!