Would you lay down your life for the church, your Brethren?

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 3:16 NKJV

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
What does it mean to lay down our lives for our brothers? Sounds pretty gallant, full of chivalry, Most of us would think it means dying. But the next verse, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17), reminds us that most often it’s very simple to lay down our lives for our brothers (and sisters). If we have a brother or sister in Christ with needs and we have the means to meet those needs, then we need to give up what we have to fill that need! That’s what laying down your life for your brother means. Putting aside your own needs and wants and helping him who is in need. Showing the love of God to them. Really, we should even extend this to those of the world too, that in doing so we would show them the love of God, that we might win them for Christ! That is if God dwells (lives) in you.

MY PRAYER…
Lord God Almighty, I am convicted by Your ultimate sacrifice and ask for eyes to see and grace to act when my brothers and sisters are in need. Father, help me to able to walk in the same love that Jesus walked in, to be able to lay aside my needs and my wants to fulfill those of a brother or sister in need. Father, thank You for the grace and the power through your Holy Spirit to make this possible. For I know I can not of myself accomplish this, but all things are possible through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. In the name of Jesus I ask and pray.
Amen