1 John 3:10-18 By this it is made clear who take their nature from God {and} are His children and who take their nature from the devil {and} are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ). For this is the message (the announcement) which you have heard from the first, that we should love one another, [And] not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his deeds (activities, works) were wicked {and} malicious and his brother's were righteous (virtuous). Do not be surprised {and} wonder, brethren, that the world detests {and} pursues you with hatred. We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians). He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death. Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him. By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him]. But if anyone has this world's goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother {and} fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live {and} remain in him? Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory {or} in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). (Quick Amplified Bible)
STRONG WORDS
In a book titled UnChristian, reasons are listed why some non-Christians don’t like people who profess faith in Jesus Christ. Their major complaints have to do with the way some Christians act toward unbelievers. The unbelievers tended to view the Christians as being hypocritical, judgmental, harsh, and unloving toward people not like themselves. I’m sure you dislike hearing their view of Christians as I do. Sometimes there’s more truth in their perceptions than we wished there was. In 1 John 3, which begins with the words, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God!” (v.1), John introduces a sharp contrast: Believers love righteousness, keep themselves from sin, and love one another; nonbelievers practice sin, hate others, and abide in death. These are strong words! We are either followers of Jesus Christ or of the devil. We are like Cain or Abel (v.12; Genesis 4:8-15). John says that love for others is what proves we are genuine children of God (John 3:10, 18-19; 4:7-8). We can’t continue to practice sin and claim to be followers of Christ. Let’s always make sure our words and deeds back up our beliefs.
By
Dave Egner
O help us, Lord, to live our lives
So unsaved people clearly see
Reflections of Your loving heart,
Your kindness, and Your purity.
By
Sper
Following Christ has two requirements: Believing, and acting like you do.
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