In 1 John 3, Apostle John addressed the issue of sin and loving one another. If we profess to be true believers of Christ, there must be a transformation in our lives: how we deal with sin and how we treat our brethren. Many Christians today are not sensitive to sins. Many live in sin or even explain away their sins. Sin is the transgression of God’s law, it is a rebellion against God. We can try to explain it away but God sees sin as sin. There is no excuse.

Sin no more because we are the sons of God (1 John 3:1-3, 9-10)

As Christians who are born again believers we have a new life in Christ and have a part in God’s family. We are a new creature in Christ. In order that we can become sons of God, God gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to sacrifice on the cross for us. If we have truly understood, experienced and received God’s love for us, we cannot live in sin. When we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Our conscience has been awakened to sin and we grieve for our sins. We must sin no more because we bear the character of God. Christians must reflect Christ, we must let the holiness and righteousness of Christ be seen in us.

Sin no more because Jesus has taken away all our sins (1 John 3:4-8)

Sin is lawlessness. When we sin, we are rebelling against God’s law. When sin becomes our habit and life, we are the lawless ones. We must be sensitive to and hate sin. We must sin no more because Jesus has taken away our sin. When we sin, we actually despise what God has done for us. We cannot save ourselves. Christ, who has no sin, came with the singular purpose to take away our sin. He has paid it all. Christ also takes away the power of sin, we are no longer under the bondage of sin. If a professing Christian persists in sinning, he has to check his own salvation. If he truly believes, he must be willing to give up his sinful life and habits.

Sin no more by loving one another (1 John 3:11-12)

It is a sin not to love our fellow brethren. As believers, we must love one another. The Christians in the early Church in the Book of Acts showed forth true Christian love and unity. The church is a family in Christ. How do you treat one another? Are you quick to judge and criticize and fail to show empathy and love? Are you unwilling to forgive one another? Look at how God has shown us His love and forgiven us.

We must sin no more. May God help us all.