Love With No Boundaries

John is addressing the believers in this chapter who are now “called the sons of God”

(v. 1). He is reminding every “born again” (Jn 3:7), children of God of the knowledge “that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (v. 14). Somefalsely teach that this is referring to the loss of salvation. However, John is emphasizing the genuine evidence of salvation! The saved person will not hate the brethren (Mt5:22), to the point of wanting to murder him; “for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders” (Mt 15:19). Those who continue to harbor such murderous thoughts only prove that they were never truly saved.

Sadly, if they die in that state, then they “shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev 21:8)! God promised eternal life (Jn 3:16), to whosoever will trust the shed blood, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Rom 8:34). We cannot lose our salvation (Jn 10:28)! The fact that salvation dramatically changes us to a new life “in Christ” (2 Cor 5:17); we can now sincerely show our “unfeigned love of the brethren” (1 Pet 1:22). Because we are all standing “fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Php 1:27).

Jesus sets the standard for loving others – He loved us so much that He died for us “while we were yet sinners”

(Rom 5:8). Genuine Christ-like love knows no boundaries; it sets no limits and draws no lines (Rom 8:35). If you really love someone, then no sacrifice will be too great (Jn 15:13). True love does more than just simply talk, it acts (Jms 2:26). As a church family and as individuals, we need to learn to “love one another” (Jn 13:34), and show “the love of Christ” (2 Cor 5:14), by bearing “one another's burdens” (Gal 6:2)! God bless you!



-Pastor Melito Barrera