1 John 3:11-24

Love One Another

11 From the beginning we have heard that we should love one another.

12 Don't be like Cain. He belonged to the evil one. He murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because the things Cain had done were wrong. But the things his brother had done were right.

13 My brothers and sisters, don't be surprised if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have left our old dead condition and entered into new life. We know it because we love one another. Those who do not are still living in their old condition.

15 Those who hate their brothers and sisters are murderers. And you know that murderers do not have eternal life in their hearts.

16 We know what love is because Jesus Christ gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters.

17 Suppose someone sees a brother or sister in need and is able to help them. If he doesn't take pity on them, how can the love of God be in him?

18 Dear children, don't just talk about love. Put your love into action. Then it will truly be love.

19 That's how we know that we hold to the truth. And that's how we put our hearts at rest, knowing that God is watching.

20 Our hearts may judge us. But God is greater than our hearts. He knows everything.

21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not judge us, we can be bold with God.

22 And he will give us anything we ask. That's because we obey his commands. We do what pleases him.

23 God has commanded us to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ. He has also commanded us to love one another.

24 Those who obey his commands remain joined to him. And he remains joined to them. How do we know that God lives in us? We know it because of the Holy Spirit he gave us.