Short Bible Study with me about 1 John 3:18
Introduction
Welcome to today’s Bible study, where we will dive into the heart of Christian love and action as laid out in the book of 1 John. Have you ever felt the pull to do more than just speak words of love? Have you wondered how you can truly embody the teachings of Christ in your day-to-day life? You’re not alone! This study aims to give you practical tools and encouragement to live out God’s love through both words and actions. So, grab your Bible, a journal, and a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s dig in!
Get ready to discover how small actions can lead to significant transformations. When we embody the essence of God’s love, we light up the dark corners of our world. Ready to deepen your commitment to living out love in truthful, tangible ways? Let’s start this exciting journey!
Bible Verse
1 John 3:18 (NIV):
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Meaning
In this powerful verse, John emphasizes that love should not just be something we talk about but something that we put into action. It’s easy to tell someone you love them or to write encouraging words, but true love is demonstrated through tangible deeds. John calls us to a higher standard—a love that is genuine and reflected in what we do, rather than just what we say.
The essence of this verse is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who demonstrated love through His actions—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ultimately sacrificing His life for us. Love, according to John, must be lived out authentically, aligning our deeds with our words. This is not a superficial or conditional love; it’s a love that endures, sacrifices, and reaches out to meet the needs of others.
When we love "in truth," it means our actions must be sincere and grounded in the reality of Christ’s teachings. It’s an invitation to examine whether our lives reflect the love we proclaim. Are our actions aligned with our faith? Are our hearts truly invested in serving others?
Actions to Take
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Volunteer at a local shelter or food pantry to serve those in need.
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Reach out to someone who may be lonely or struggling and offer your support or a listening ear.
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Perform a random act of kindness each day—whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee or writing a note of encouragement.
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Donate to a charity or support a mission that aligns with your values and beliefs.
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Commit to praying and asking God to show you practical ways to demonstrate His love to those around you.
Journal Prompts
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When have you felt that someone truly demonstrated love to you through their actions? Write about that experience.
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Reflect on a time when you relied more on words than actions. How could you have acted differently?
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What are some specific ways you can show love in your current situations? List at least three ideas.
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How does demonstrating love through actions deepen your understanding of God’s love?
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Write about your feelings when you’re actively serving others. Does it change the way you view Christian love?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me the true meaning of love through Your Word and Your actions. Help me to not just speak of love but to live it out daily. Open my eyes to see the needs around me and the courage to act upon them. Grant me the sincerity to love in truth and the humility to serve selflessly. Empower me, Lord, to be a vessel of Your love in a world that so deeply needs it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
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"Love isn’t just what we say; it’s how we live. Today, let’s act out our love in truth! #1John318 #LiveLove #FaithInAction @BGodInspired"
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"Inspired by 1 John 3:18 today: ‘Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.’ How will you show love today? #LoveInAction #ChristianLiving"
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"Small acts of love can lead to big transformations. Let’s make our love genuine with our actions. #LiveChristLove #1John318 #BGodInspired"
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"Faith without works is dead. Let’s animate our love through acts of kindness and service. #LoveInAction #FaithWorks #1John318"
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"Your love in action can be a beacon of hope. Commit to serving today and let God’s love shine through you. #ServeOthers #LiveLove #BGodInspired"
Conclusion
We hope this study has inspired you to live out your love through actions, bringing the teachings of 1 John 3:18 to life in practical and meaningful ways. By focusing on genuine love, expressed in deeds, we can bring Christ’s compassion and truth into a world hungry for real connection and care. Remember, every act of love, no matter how small, reflects God’s infinite love for us.
Thank you for joining us today! If you found this study enriching, we encourage you to continue exploring and deepening your faith with us at BGodInspired.com. Let’s keep sparking curiosity, love, and transformation together!
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
Q&A about 1 John 3:18
Certainly! Here is a Q&A based on 1 John 3:18:
Question:
What does 1 John 3:18 emphasize about the nature of love?
Answer:
1 John 3:18 emphasizes that true love should be demonstrated through actions and in truth, rather than just through words and speech. It encourages believers to show their love by what they do, not merely by what they say.
Question:
Why does 1 John 3:18 urge believers to show love through deeds?
Answer:
1 John 3:18 urges believers to show love through deeds to ensure that their love is genuine and practical. Words alone can be empty or insincere, but love expressed through actions reflects real commitment and care.
Question:
To whom is 1 John 3:18 specifically addressed?
Answer:
1 John 3:18 is specifically addressed to "little children," a term often suggesting believers who are being nurtured in their faith. The apostle John uses this affectionate term to guide them towards mature and authentic Christian living.
Feel free to ask if you need further clarification or additional information!
