Read 1 John 3:11-12; 4:7-12
Loving one another isn’t new to any of us. Nor was it to those John wrote to so many years ago. If they grew up in Judaism, they were taught as little ones to “love their neighbors as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Even if they came from no religious background, they too knew they should love others.
When Jesus told his disciples in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another ...” It wasn’t new as in a new baby, whom has never existed before, or a new pair of shoes, that find their way into your closet. He used the word kainos, which means “different than what was before.“ Like a new recipe, it is a whole new way of loving. What made this command new (unique and different) is “just as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) John clarifies “that we should love one another; not as Cain.” (1 John 3:11,12) Here is the new recipe for loving others: as Christ, not as Cain.
We don’t associate love of any kind with Cain. However, he brought an offering, so must have felt some form of love for God. Family was all he had, so there had to be an emotional connection there as well. However, his actions in Genesis 4:3-8, reveal that all his love relationships were anchored in himself. That kind of love seeks what “I” get out of it (i.e. gives to receive – blesses to be blessed). We are all frightfully familiar with “as Cain” love. When we only care about those who love us back, agree with our perspective, preferences and politics, make us comfortable, or given only when it is convenient, we love with “as Cain” love. (Luke 6:32)
To love as Christ is to love wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Peter said it was to love fervently from the heart (1 Peter 1:22). It even loves those who choose to make us their enemy and goes out of their way to make life difficult for us. “As Christ” love gives without expecting anything in return. (Luke 6:35) “As Christ” love is a servant’s love that gives to give. It is a sacrificial love that willingly gives it all, if that is what is necessary. Nothing is held back. The most complete description of “as Christ” love is given in 1 Corinthians 13, which includes “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” John 13:1 says “He loved them to the end.” “As Christ” love never quits, never gives up, and never declares, “Enough is enough.”
Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34) It is choosing to care regardless of feelings and prioritizing what is best for others that identifies of with Christ. They see Him and experience His love through us. The other option is being identified with Cain, not something any of us wants to intentionally consider.
Making It Personal
Cain did not kill Abel because he didn’t love his brother, but because he loved himself more. At the core of his sinful choices was self-love. How is that true for every sinful choice you make?
Why is this something that needs to be viewed very seriously?
“As Cain” love is consistently conditional. What are some conditions you tend to put on your loving others?
How does conditional love in a believer’s life, impact others view of Christ?
What specifically does choosing to love others “as Christ” mean to you? Are there attitude or behavior changes you need to make through the enabling of the Holy Spirit?
Take some time to have an honest dialog with the Lord about how you love.
