Many enjoy John 3:16 but neglect 1 John 3:16.
In John 3:16, we see how God love us and gave his only begotten son. whenever we read this , we rejoice because we needed a savior. 1 John 3: 16 tells us that because Jesus laid down his life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren and when we read this, we frown and close our bibles forgetting that after John 3:16, what comes is 1 John 3:16.
Jesus told the people that the first and greatest command is to love the lord your God and the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.
In arranging the commands, Jesus puts it at the second position which shows how important it is.
For whoever abides in love abides in the father and he who does not love his brethren, the love of the father is not in him. You may not climb the cross as Jesus did but you can demonstrate Gods love to your neighbor in so many ways. Jesus said in Matthew 5 that let your light shine before men so that they will see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven. The best way to let the light of God shine is to demonstrate His love to your neighbor.
Remember that it is not a request but a command, it is not you can or you may but you should and you must.
If you are a victim of John 3:13, try and make others also victims through 1 John 3:16.
I LOVE YOU!