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?

Definition: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down John 3:16. It's a really beautiful and important verse from the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says God loves us so much that he gave his Son (Jesus) to save us. Let's unpack that a bit: “God” : This refers to God, who is all-powerful and loving. “Loved” : This means God has a deep, genuine affection for us. It’s not just liking us; it’s a profound feeling of care and concern. “The world” : This includes everyone – people, animals, and even everything around us. “He gave…” : This is the key part! God isn't just kind , he actively chooses to do something really big. “His only begotten Son” : This means Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. “Begotten” means He was created by God – a divine being. “That whosoever believeth…” : This is a fancy way of saying "that whoever believes." "Belief" means trusting in something. “…should not perish…” : “Perish” means to die or lose everything. This part says that believing in Jesus will protect us from death and losing our hope. "...but have everlasting life.” : This is the really important part! "Everlasting life" means a life that continues forever, beyond even our time on Earth. So, putting it all together: God loves us so much that he gave his Son (Jesus) to save us from death and give us eternal life. It’s a message of ultimate hope and forgiveness. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the core of Christian belief – that Jesus is our savior and that through faith in him, we can escape our separation from God and have a lasting relationship with Him. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like to know about some related concepts (like salvation)?