1 John 3:12-22

12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered^[a] his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's were righteous.

13 Do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

Love in Action

16 This is how we have come to know love: He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.

17 If anyone has this world's goods and sees his brother in need but shuts off his compassion from him-how can God's love reside in him?

18 Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth;

19 that is how we will know we are of the truth, and will convince our hearts in His presence,

20 because if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.

21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn [us] we have confidence before God,

22 and can receive whatever we ask from Him because we keep His commands and do what is pleasing in His sight.