The chapter of 1 John 3 opens a profound window into the life of a believer, deeply rooted in the love of God. This section of scripture, particularly verses John 3 16 17, though not explicitly present in this chapter of 1 John, resonates powerfully with the core messages conveyed. While John 3:16-17 from the Gospel of John speaks directly to the immense love of God in sending His Son, 1 John 3 unpacks what it means to live as children of God who have received this incredible love.
This chapter urges Christians towards a life characterized by holiness and genuine brotherly love. It stems from the astonishing reality of adoption into God’s family, a gift born out of God’s boundless love and grace. This divine adoption is often misunderstood by the world, and even believers themselves may not fully grasp its present and future glory. The full revelation of this adoption awaits us when we are transformed to be like Christ and see Him in His glory. This anticipation should inspire us to live lives of purity, reflecting our future destiny (1 John 3:1-3).
The call to holy living is further emphasized by contrasting it with the nature of sin. Sin is defined as lawlessness (1 John 3:4). We are reminded that Jesus Christ was manifested to take away sin, and in Him, there is no sin (1 John 3:5). Therefore, anyone who claims to abide in Christ should not continue to live in sin. Living in sin demonstrates a lack of true understanding and fellowship with Christ (1 John 3:6). Righteousness, not just outward actions, but an inward state reflecting God’s character, is the mark of a righteous person, just as Christ is righteous (1 John 3:7).
Conversely, those who practice sin are identified as being “of the devil,” mirroring the devil’s nature as a sinner from the beginning. Christ’s mission was precisely to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). This distinction is further drawn by the concept of being “born of God.” Those born of God do not habitually sin because God’s very nature abides in them (1 John 3:9). The difference between the children of God and the children of the devil is starkly clear: it is revealed in those who do not practice righteousness and do not love their brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 3:10).
This naturally leads to the critical exhortation regarding brotherly love. This message is not new; it’s been a foundational teaching from the beginning (1 John 3:11). The stark contrast is illustrated through Cain, who, influenced by Satan, murdered his brother Abel because Abel’s righteous deeds exposed Cain’s evil actions (1 John 3:12). Therefore, it should not surprise believers when the world, mirroring Cain’s spirit, hates them (1 John 3:13).
Brotherly love becomes a powerful indicator of spiritual transformation – a sign that we have passed from death to life, signifying regeneration. Hatred, on the other hand, signifies remaining in spiritual death and is equated to murder in its essence, lacking eternal life (1 John 3:14-15). This is where the spirit of john 3 16 17 from the Gospel of John deeply enriches our understanding of 1 John 3. Just as John 3:16 proclaims God’s immeasurable love in giving His only Son, 1 John 3:16 calls us to reflect that love: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” This profound statement highlights the sacrificial nature of true Christian love, inspired by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Continuing this theme, 1 John 3:17 poses a challenging question: “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” This verse compels us to examine the practical outworking of love. Genuine love is not just words but tangible actions, especially towards fellow believers in need. If we are indifferent to the needs of our brothers and sisters, can we genuinely claim that God’s love dwells within us? (1 John 3:17).
Therefore, the apostle urges us to love not merely in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18). Living out genuine brotherly love provides assurance that we are “of the truth” and allows us to have confidence before God. This assurance contrasts with a condemning heart. If our heart condemns us, God, who is greater than our hearts, knows all things (1 John 3:19-20). However, when our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive whatever we ask from Him because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him (1 John 3:21-22).
These commandments are summarized as believing in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and loving one another, just as He commanded us (1 John 3:23). The beautiful outcome of obedience is that we abide in Him, and He in us. The evidence of this mutual indwelling is the Holy Spirit whom He has given us (1 John 3:24).
In conclusion, 1 John 3 powerfully expands on the implications of God’s love revealed in verses like john 3 16 17. It calls believers to live lives that reflect their identity as children of God, characterized by holiness and, most importantly, by practical and sacrificial brotherly love. This love, mirroring Christ’s own, is not just an emotion but a defining action that validates our faith and provides assurance and confidence in our relationship with God.
