1 John 3

The chapter opens by extolling God's profound love in making believers His children, instilling a hope of future likeness to Christ that purifies. It sharply contrasts those who practice righteousness as children of God with those who commit sin as children of the devil, emphasizing that Christ came to destroy sin. A central theme is the commandment to love one another, demonstrating true faith through deeds rather than mere words, and assuring believers of God's presence through obedience.

The apostle John marvels at the Father's immense love, which bestows upon believers the privilege of being called the sons of God, a status that promises future transformation into Christ's likeness and motivates present self-purification. He defines sin as the transgression of the law, asserting that Christ was manifested to remove sins, and in Him is no sin. A clear distinction is drawn between those born of God, who do not habitually commit sin, and those of the devil, who practice sin. The core message reiterated is the necessity of loving one another, exemplified by Christ's sacrifice and contrasted with Cain's hatred. True love is shown not merely in word but in deed and truth, particularly by aiding needy brethren. This active obedience to God's commandments—to believe on Jesus Christ and love one another—provides assurance of abiding in God and receiving answers to prayer, confirmed by the indwelling Spirit.

John opens by declaring the profound love of the Father, by which believers are called the sons of God, a status unknown to the world. He assures them that while their future glory is not fully revealed, they will be like Christ when He appears, seeing Him as He is, and this hope inspires a life of self-purification. The apostle then addresses the nature of sin, defining it as the transgression of the law, and reminds believers that Jesus Christ was manifested specifically to take away sins, being Himself without sin. He asserts that whosoever abides in Christ does not habitually sin, and conversely, one who practices sin has not truly known Him. A sharp contrast is drawn between the children of God, characterized by doing righteousness, and the children of the devil, who commit sin, emphasizing that the Son of God came to destroy the devil's works. Furthermore, those born of God are said not to commit sin, for God's divine seed remains within them, making them unable to live in a state of sin. The central commandment reiterated throughout the chapter is the imperative to love one another, a message heard from the beginning. This love is contrasted with the wicked example of Cain, who slew his righteous brother out of evil works, and believers are warned not to be surprised if the world hates them. John states that love for the brethren is the evidence of having passed from spiritual death to life, while hatred signifies abiding in death, equating it to murder. He underscores the depth of God's love, demonstrated by Christ laying down His life, and calls believers to similar self-sacrificial love for one another. Practical application of this love involves showing compassion to needy brethren, for withholding aid contradicts the indwelling love of God. Ultimately, love must be expressed in deed and truth, not merely in words. Such genuine love provides assurance before God, even when the heart condemns, for God is greater. This confidence extends to prayer, as God grants requests to those who keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. The primary commandment is to believe on Jesus Christ and to love one another, and obedience to these commands ensures an abiding relationship with God, confirmed by the Spirit He has given.