February 13: BY THIS WE KNOW LOVE
1 John 3:16 (ESV)
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."
Read The Full Devotional Below.
THE NIGHT I HAD TO CHOOSE LOVE OVER MYSELF
It was a Friday night, and I had just finished a show that had gone about as perfect as I could hope. The audience was electric, the tricks landed flawlessly, and for a moment, I felt like I was on top of the world. Applause still echoed in my mind as I loaded my gear into the car. That’s when my phone buzzed.
It was my son.
“Dad, I know it’s not your weekend, but… can you come over? I just… I don’t know. I just need you.”
I checked the time. It was late. I had an after-party invite—an opportunity to network with some big names in the industry. I had been waiting for this break, and if I missed it, I wasn’t sure if I’d get another shot.
I hesitated.
The old me—the selfish, success-driven me—wanted to send a quick text: Hey buddy, I’ll call you first thing in the morning. But something in his voice stuck with me. I could hear it. The weight. The unspoken words.
This wasn’t just a casual request. My son needed his father.
And in that moment, I had to choose: Me, my dreams, my ambitions? Or love—the kind of love that lays things down, that sacrifices, that shows up even when it’s inconvenient?
I turned the key, pulled out of the lot, and headed straight for my son’s house.
When I got there, he didn’t have much to say. He just sat on the couch, staring at the floor. I didn’t press. I didn’t lecture. I just sat next to him, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said, “I’m here.”
And that was enough.
I never made it to the party that night. I don’t even remember what opportunity I missed. But I’ll never forget what I gained.
Because love isn’t proven in words—it’s revealed in action.
I often think about that night. What if I had chosen differently? What if I had prioritized my own desires over the needs of my son? Would he have called again the next time he felt lost? Would he have started to believe that my career was more important than him? The truth is, love is built in these small, defining moments. The moments when we say, "You matter more." The moments where presence speaks louder than a thousand promises.
LOVE IS SACRIFICE
John writes in 1 John 3:16 that we know love because Jesus laid down His life for us. He didn’t just tell us He loved us—He showed it. He left the glory of heaven, took on human flesh, endured rejection, and ultimately gave His life on the cross. His love wasn’t just spoken; it was sacrificial.
That’s the standard. That’s the kind of love we are called to. Not just the convenient love. Not just the love that fits into our schedules. But the kind of love that costs something.
Laying down our lives doesn’t always mean physical death. Sometimes, it means dying to our own plans, our own ambitions, our own comfort. It’s stepping away from what benefits us and stepping into what blesses others. It’s choosing to show up when it’s inconvenient, to listen when we’d rather talk, to forgive when we want to hold on to bitterness.
Love demands action, not mere intention. Love interrupts. Love reroutes plans. Love is not about self-fulfillment but about self-emptying. It’s in the mundane, unseen acts of service, in the quiet choices to put others first, that real love is revealed.
WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN OUR DAILY LIVES?
Sacrificing time for someone who needs us. Just like my son needed me that night, there are people in our lives who need us more than we realize. Will we be present, or will we be too busy?
Choosing to love when it’s hard. It’s easy to love people when they’re lovable. But what about when they’re difficult, when they’ve hurt us, when it’s inconvenient? That’s when love is tested.
Laying down pride and embracing humility. Jesus didn’t cling to His rights—He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6-8). Love requires humility. It means putting others ahead of ourselves, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Giving generously. Whether it’s our resources, our time, or our attention—true love is generous. It doesn’t calculate what’s “fair.” It gives because love compels it to.
Being consistent. Love isn't a one-time event. It's the repeated decision to care, to show up, to invest in the well-being of others without expecting anything in return.
THE POWER OF SHOWING UP
Looking back on that night with my son, I realize something: Love isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about showing up.
Jesus showed up for us. He laid everything down—not because it was easy, not because we deserved it, but because love demands action. And now, He calls us to do the same.
Today, who needs you to show up? Who in your life needs to know that you love them—not just in words, but in action? Maybe it’s a child, a spouse, a friend, or even someone you struggle to love.
Whoever it is, take the step. Love them sacrificially. Lay something down for them. Because by this we know love.
LIVING IT OUT…
Identify one person in your life who needs you to show up for them today. Make the call, send the message, or sit with them in silence if that’s what they need.
Ask yourself: What’s one thing I need to lay down in order to love better? Pride? Time? Distractions?
Join the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge and commit to learning what it means to love sacrificially, just like Christ.
Love is action. Love is sacrifice. Love is showing up.
A Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for showing us what real love looks like through Jesus. Help us to love like He did—to lay down our lives, our desires, and our comforts for the sake of others. Give us eyes to see the people in our lives who need us to show up. Give us the strength to love when it costs us something. And let our love be a reflection of Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
An Invitation to go Deeper….
If today’s message spoke to you, join the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge and strengthen your connection with God’s unshakable love. You are never alone—let’s grow together!
