Third chapter, sixteenth verse...

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16

I read that a computer scientist (Donald Knuth, see note below) wrote an etire book about all third chapters, sixteenth verses in the Bible! I don't know whether that approach really makes a lot of sense (haven't read this book yet, but is sure sounds fascinating...).
It is just great to see how these particular two verses from the same author -John the Evangelist- are complementing each other. I guess that they are both 3:16 is just a coincidence and of course you need to read all verses within the context of God's Word!

Last Sunday a preacher in our church quoted both texts from John. This is what I think about this... If we believe in John 3:16, we should live according to 1 John 3:16. If necessary we must be willing to pay the ultimate price by giving up our lives for the sake of the Gospel - just like Jesus and many followers throughout the ages. But following Jesus is not 'just' about being willing to die for the Gospel, it is all about being willing to live according to the Gospel. Maybe that's even harder...

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Rom. 6:8

This means that we don't have to die anymore, but can live for ever because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He died, so that we might live. I know, it is very hard to understand - that's the problem with love & grace. But just think about it!

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. 1 Peter 3:18

Please read more here, if you are seriously looking for some answers!a
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NOTE: Donald E. Knuth, Professor Emeritus of The Art of Computer Programming at Stanford University. This is his home page ,where you can also read more about the 3:16 book on this page. Also check out this PDF with a calligraphic rendition of John 3:16 in a new translation that looks like this: