What does 1 John 3:11 mean?

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:11

Explanation

The verse 1 John 3:11, “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,” is a directive from the apostle John to the recipients of his letter. It is intended to remind them of the foundational Christian principle of love. The “beginning” mentioned can refer to the start of their faith journey or be traced back to the teachings of Jesus himself, who emphasized love as the greatest commandment. The deeper meaning implies that Christian love is not a new concept but a reiterated and pivotal part of Christian belief and practice. It is an active love, requiring action in the way believers treat one another, which reflects the love of God.

Historical Context

1 John is a letter written by the apostle John, one of the close disciples of Jesus Christ. It is believed to have been written between 85-95 AD and is addressed to a general audience of Christians rather than a specific individual or church. During this period, the early Christian community faced internal conflicts and external pressures. False teachings and heresies threatened the unity and purity of the Christian faith, prompting John to reaffirm the core principles of Christianity, with love being the primary ethic taught by Jesus.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives focus on the implications of this command to love. From a traditional Christian viewpoint, love is seen as the highest virtue and the very nature of God, as expressed in John’s later statement, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). It holds that love should permeate every aspect of a believer’s life. Liberation theology might understand this verse as a call to social action, helping those oppressed as an expression of love. Reformed theology may emphasize that the ability to love one another genuinely stems from God’s sovereign act of grace upon the believer’s heart.

Practical Applications

The practical application of 1 John 3:11 involves individuals consciously practicing love in their interactions with others. This can manifest as acts of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and seeking the best for others. In a community, it promotes harmony and service. In a broader societal context, it means advocating for justice and supporting those in need. Practicing this love is a daily commitment to living out one’s faith in tangible, interpersonal ways.

Cross-References

• John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
• 1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
• 1 Peter 1:22: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:”

Language Study

“Love” in this verse comes from the Greek word “agapao,” which refers to a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. It is more than mere emotional affection and encompasses a deliberate act of the will—an active concern for others’ well-being. This verb form implies continuous or ongoing action, indicating that love should be a continual practice rather than an occasional gesture.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient myths and religions, themes of love and brotherhood often have parallels. For example, the philosophical works of Plato discuss different forms of love, including a brotherly love termed “philia.” In Buddhism, “metta” is a teaching similar to agape, advocating for a love and kindness toward all beings. However, the Christian command to love one another is unique in its origin from the central figure of Jesus Christ and its emphasis as a foundational practice in the life of the community of believers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, studies in psychology and sociology have examined the effects of love and positive social interactions on human well-being, mental health, and societal functioning. Research indicates that practices of benevolence, altruism, and empathy, akin to the biblical command of loving one another, have measurable positive impacts on individuals and communities. This can affirm the biblical decree from a secular viewpoint, showing the tangible benefits of these teachings.

Commentaries

Experts often interpret 1 John 3:11 as a call back to the basics of Christian practice and a counter to any teaching that would obscure the importance of love in Christian theology. They note that John is not proposing a new revelation but echoing the consistent message of Christian teaching since the time of Christ. Commentators may also discuss the contrast seen in the verses that follow, where the absence of love leads to actions like those of Cain, who out of envy and hatred, murdered his brother Abel. This emphasis on love serves as the antithesis of such destructive behavior and highlights the transformative power of love within the Christian ethic.