Trinity/After Pentecost · The Second Sunday after Trinity
1 John 3:13-18
Love One Another
June 14, 2026
Overview & Insights
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
Verses 11–18 are unified by the theme of loving one another. Love among the members of the community was first raised in 1 John 2:10 (as love for one’s “brother” or sister) and was the link into this section of the letter in 3:10b. The background to this emphasis on love is the schism which has divided the community (1 John 2:19) and has set former community members against one another. The schismatics have shown a flagrant, Cain-like disregard for their fellow believers. The Elder is greatly concerned that there be sacrificial, practical love among the remaining Johannine Christians.
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How does John define love?
Love is not word or talk but deed and truth; the one who has the world's goods and shuts his heart against a brother in need has no love of God abiding in him.
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