1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers. He that loves not his brother stays in death. I. THE LOVE TO WHICH ST. JOHN REFERS. 1. Love to Christians for the sake of their Christianity; or, love to the Church for the sake of Christ, the Head of the Church. 2. St. John does not speak of any partial affection we may entertain for individuals, or even classes of men, within the Church of Christ. 3. Nor is it enough that we love, however cordially, all Christians of our own Church or sect. 4. The "love" to the brethren, which is so sure a proof of our own safety, is not merely a universal love to the Church of Christ, but to the Church of Christ in its spiritual character. II. HOW THE LOVE IN QUESTION BECOMES THE PLEDGE OF OUR OWN SALVATION. 1. It is, perhaps, the strongest of all proofs that we love God; and it affords a sort of demonstration that we do so, which, when considered, is conclusive to the weakest mind, or to the most hesitating faith. 2. It demands a constant sacrifice, and so constantly displays the strength of that Divine principle of faith which unites us to the Lord; for the love in question is not a mere sentiment of respect and admiration, but it is a bond of the closest union. 3. It exposes us to constant suffering for the sake of Christ; at least this was the case in the apostles' days, and, in some degree, is so still, or else "is the offence of the Cross ceased?" (J. B. Marsden, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. |
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