SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF LOVE IN THE CHURCH IN NIGERIA TODAY: A JOHANNINE CALL TO PRACTICAL COMPASSION (1 JOHN 3:16–18)

This paper critically explores the social responsibility of love as a central theme in Johannine theology, with reference to 1 John 3:16-18. It examines how John redefines love beyond emotional sentiment, presenting it as a divine mandate that demands practical compassion and social engagement for the church in Nigeria today. Through a biblical- theological and exegetical approach, the study analyzes the historical context, linguistic meaning, and theological significance of the passage to demonstrate that love, as embodied by Christ’s self-sacrifice, must find expression in tangible acts of care for others. By adopting the Practical Theology of Love Theory advanced by Browning, thepaperargues that true Christian love cannot exist in isolation from social responsibility, as genuine faith manifests through good works that reflect God’s character. The study reveals that the Johannine call challenges believers to move beyond verbal declarations of love toward active involvement in alleviating human suffering, promoting justice, and fostering communal well- being. The paper identifies the growing gap between profession and practice in modern Christianity, where materialism and self-interest often overshadow compassionate service. The study establishes that love is the foundation of Christian ethics, serving as the driving force for justice, mercy, and social responsibility and concludes that love constitutes both a spiritual virtue and a moral imperative that sustains authentic Christian witness, arguing that practical compassion is the visible expression of Christian love through sacrificial service and compassionate engagement with society. The paper recommends that the church institutionalizes social outreach programs, strengthen ethical teaching on compassion, and encourage believers to demonstrate love through charitable acts, advocacy, and social transformation initiatives, thereby reflecting the divine nature of love in a fractured world.