The apostle John calls believers to practice cruciform love—love shaped like a cross through self-sacrifice rather than self-service. John contrasts this with Cain's way of pride and hatred, warning that everyone who hates is a murderer at heart. True Christian love moves beyond words to actions, sharing resources, forgiving others, and putting their needs before our comfort. While this sacrificial love is both simple to understand and difficult to practice, it remains the fundamental command we never outgrow as followers of Christ.