Definition: Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful passage from 1 John 3:16. It’s a really important one about God's love and how it affects us. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Message: This verse essentially says that God actively loves us so much that he gave his life for us. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a tangible commitment. Let's unpack it word by word: “1 John 3:16” : This is the title of the verse – it’s from the first letter of John, a book known for its warm and loving message. “Hereby perceive we the love [of God]” : "Perceive" means to understand or recognize something. “We” refers to us, as believers. This part says that we , as people who believe in Jesus, can see and understand God’s love for us. It's not just a vague feeling; we can actually know it. “because he laid down his life for us” : This is the really important part! God sacrificed himself – his very life – to show us how much he loves us. It’s not that he wanted to, but because of his love, he willingly gave up his own existence. “and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” : “Brothers” refers to fellow believers – people who share the same faith and are part of a community of Christians. This means that we should also be willing to sacrifice our time, effort, or even our comfort for others who believe in Jesus. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that God’s love isn't just a distant concept; it's a powerful and active commitment. He loves us so much that he would give his life for us. And because of this, we are called to show our love to others in the same way – by being willing to sacrifice for them. In simpler terms: God doesn’t just say he loves us; he actively gives his life for us. We should be like that - offering ourselves and our time to those who believe in Christ. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a call to selfless service and compassion – being willing to put the needs of others before our own. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore related Bible verses that build on this idea?