What happensPermalink
God’s love makes believers His children, though the world does not know them. When Christ appears, they will be like Him; this hope calls for purity. John contrasts habitual sin with the righteousness of new birth: Christ came to take away sins and destroy the devil’s works. Cain shows where hatred leads: whoever does not love remains in death; whoever hates a brother or sister is a murderer. Christ laid down His life for us; believers should love others sacrificially, giving what they have to those in need.
Why it mattersPermalink
God commands believers to trust His Son and love one another, and His Spirit assures them that He abides in them. Righteousness and active love are evidence of new birth, not empty claims. Loving in deed and truth reassures believers before God, who is greater than their hearts and knows everything.
Key versePermalink
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.