The Message
"This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another."
(1 John 3:11)

Bad Example

1. Read 1 John 3:12-15. The story of Cain is recorded in Genesis 4:2-12. Why did Cain murder his brother? What was the root cause of Cain's actions? (3:12) How common is Cain's attitude today?

Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first" (John 15:18, NIV).

2. What does "hating one's brother" indicate about a person? (3:15)

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." (Matthew 5:21-22a, NIV)

Good Example (the Supreme Example!)

3. Read 1 John 3:16-18. In what specific ways does Jesus' example contrast with Cain's example?

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his live for his friends" (John 15:13)

4. Certainly, only Jesus can die for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). While it is possible that we might literally die for our brother(s) or sister(s), it is more likely that we will give ourselves in other ways. In what specific ways should we express love for others? (3:17-18)

Blessed Assurance

5. Read 1 John 3:19-24. When "our hearts condemn us," how can we "set our hearts at rest?" In other words, according to verses 19-20, how can we experience assurance of our relationship with God even when our conscience accuses us or condemns us?

In verse 23, John states two actions, but includes them in one, single command. This is significant. True Christianity involves both belief and practice. To truly believe in Christ is to believe the truth about him and to entrust one's life to him, and that includes obeying him.

6. How can we know that God lives in us?

Jesus said, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love" (John 15:10, NIV).

* "The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children" (Romans 8:16, NIV).
* " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22, NIV).

Reflection/Application
† Consider the attitudes of Cain and Jesus. Is your attitude more like Cain's, or more like Jesus.' If you think your attitude is more like Jesus,' exactly how are you demonstrating it? Think of someone in need, and make a specific commitment to express love to that person.

† The ability and power to love as God expects comes from Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Do you need to place your faith in Christ, so that God lives in you?

† As a Christian, do you sometimes have doubts concerning your relationship with God? Go to God with a sincere and open heart, knowing that he is a loving, gracious and forgiving God. Open your heart to His love, and truly commit yourself to loving others by His grace.