1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Here’s what 1 John 3:16 (NIV) says:

> “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

What it really teaches:

1. True love is defined by Christ’s sacrifice
John explains that real love is not just an emotion or words, but an action. Jesus showed the ultimate example of love by willingly giving His life for us. This is the Christian standard of love — selfless, sacrificial, and for the good of others.

2. Love is self-giving, not self-seeking
The verse contrasts worldly love (which often seeks personal benefit) with godly love (which seeks the good of others, even at personal cost). Christian love goes beyond comfort or convenience.

3. Christ’s love becomes our model
Just as Jesus laid down His life, believers are called to imitate that same spirit of sacrificial love. This doesn’t always mean physical death, but it does mean living unselfishly, being willing to give time, resources, and even comfort for the sake of others.

4. Love is a mark of true faith
The verse is in the context of John’s teaching that love for others is evidence of being a child of God. To refuse love and live in selfishness contradicts the very nature of the gospel.

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✅ In summary:
1 John 3:16 teaches that love is best understood and defined by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and Christians are called to mirror that same self-giving love in their relationships with others. It’s a call to put others’ needs above our own, even at great personal cost.