We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (1 John 3:14 NIV84)
The Bible is abundantly clear that when a person follows Jesus Christ there will be defining elements that emerge in their lives. True transformation leads to a change — life that is reflective of the One who wrought the change — Jesus. Understanding the key qualities in the life of Jesus, therefore, and assessing whether those same qualities are found in increasing measure in our own lives, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is very important. John tells us that loving others around us is a critical marker in the life of a Christ follower. Simple, right? Not exactly. In his Gospel, John says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) As Jesus laid down his life for me, so as a disciple, I WILL lay down my life for others. Now that is a tall order.
