A Sacrificial Love | 1 John 3:11-24
In today’s message exploring 1 John 3:11-24, Avel Rivera delivers a powerful sermon titled “A Sacrificial Love,” focusing on what it truly means to love as Christ did. In a world increasingly defined by self-interest and fleeting relationships, this deep study offers timeless guidance on authentic Christian love.
Understanding Love from Death to Life
The first point Avel Rivera brings to light is the transformational journey from death to life through love. Drawing from the opening verses, he reminds us that loving one another is not just a suggestion—it's a fundamental commandment repeated since the dawn of Christian teaching. Unlike the unstable, shifting “love” shown by Cain (who let his envy turn to hatred and murder), Christ calls us to a higher standard. This isn’t ordinary affection, but agape love—a selfless, sacrificial love that comes only from God.
“We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brothers. Whoever doesn’t love, remains in death.”
— Avel Rivera, reflecting on verse 14
Loving others is evidence that we have truly been changed by God’s grace, moving from spiritual death to a life marked by compassion and mercy.
A Heart Tested by Love
But such love isn’t simply an emotion; it must withstand the test of action. As Avel Rivera explains, John challenges believers to assess whether their love is driven by Christ or by selfish motives. If we see someone in genuine need and do nothing to help—even though we have the means—can we claim God’s love lives in us?
Practical, sacrificial actions define real Christian love:
“Let us not love in word or speech but in action and in truth.” — Avel Rivera
This love, Avel Rivera continues, does not seek what’s deserved. Instead, it gives freely, just as Christ laid down his life for us—even when we were undeserving.
Confidence Through Obedient Love
This brings us to the heart’s response. When we love sacrificially, we experience confidence before God. There’s no self-condemnation because we’re living out the very love God has poured into our hearts.
“If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God.” — Avel Rivera, interpreting verse 21
Obedience to this command is proof that we are abiding in Christ and that His Spirit lives within us. Such assurance isn’t rooted in our own achievements but in walking in Christ’s footsteps.
The Command Repeated: Believe and Love
The message concludes with a final reminder that the command to love is inseparable from faith in Jesus Christ.
“And this is his commandment: that we believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He has commanded us.” — Avel Rivera, quoting verses 23-24
Genuine faith and sacrificial love are the marks of a Spirit-filled believer. As the Holy Spirit assures our identity as God’s children, the call is clear: love one another, because Christ first loved us.
Key Takeaways
Sacrificial love is the proof that we’ve truly been transformed.
Real love is shown in action, not just words.
Confidence before God comes from walking in His commandments.
The Holy Spirit assures us of our identity when we love as Christ loved.
Let us strive to love not because others deserve it, but because Christ set the ultimate example—giving His life for us, so that we can give ourselves for others.
Let us love one another sacrificially, because Christ loved us first and gave His life for us.