One of John’s major purposes in writing this letter to Christians was to reveal the true character of those who follow Christ, while also exposing the false teachings of deceitful men who were attempting to infiltrate the church. Although these false teachers claimed that their message was from God, their lives did not reflect His ways. So far in his writing, John has said that those who believe in Jesus (1:1-2:2) will obey His commandments (2:3-6, 24-29; 3:1-9) which is expressed in love for God and love for others (2:7-11). In the next few verses John instructs his readers a little further on the true nature of love when he writes, “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother” (3:10). Those who do not love others are not in fellowship with God. John then illustrates this concept with the Old Testament example of Cain, who murdered his brother, Abel (Genesis 4:3-5). Even though Cain brought an offering to “worship” the Lord, his murderous actions against his brother demonstrated his true nature (3:11-12). When a so-called “believer” says that he loves God but continually hates others, his actions reveal that he is not a child of God. Furthermore, John writes, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever [continually] hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (3:14-15). John’s teaching is very simple. Those who love others show that they also love God; however, those whose lifestyle is defined by hatred reveal that they are not children of God.
In case his readers did not completely understand love, John provides the perfect illustration of true love, “By this we know love, because He [Jesus] laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (3:16). Jesus sacrificed His life in order to provide life for those who would believe, so true love is self-sacrificing; in other words, true love willingly places the needs of others above our own. In order to further illustrate the true nature of love John writes, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (3:17-18). When a person truly loves others, he cannot ignore their cries for help – he takes action to provide for their needs. Loving others in this way brings “assurance” of our relationship with God (3:19). Even though we may doubt God at times, a continual demonstration of love toward others provides confidence that we really do love and know God (3:20-21). Not only does love for others bring assurance of our love for God, but also answered prayer (3:22).
In the final two verses of chapter 3, John reviews the three major indicators of someone who is a child of God: belief in Jesus Christ (3:23a), love for others (3:23b), and obedience to God’s commandments (3:24). Examine your heart and actions. Are you believing, loving, and obeying? If not, begin today.
Dear God, help my belief in You to lead to more love for others and more obedience to Your ways.
