1 John 3 is a powerful reminder of who we are as God’s children and what it means to live in His love. The apostle John begins by inviting us to behold the kind of love the Father has given us—that we should be called children of God. This is not just a title; it is our true identity. Because of this great love, the world does not understand us, just as it did not understand Jesus. We are set apart, transformed by His grace, and called to live in a way that reflects our heavenly Father.
John reassures us that although we are God’s children now, there is still more to come. When Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. This hope purifies us, shaping us to become more like Jesus. It is not a passive hope but an active one, leading us to live in holiness. We are reminded that everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, but Christ came to take away our sins. In Him, there is no sin, and as His followers, we are called to remain in Him, leaving behind a life of sin.
The distinction between those who belong to God and those who do not is clear: whoever practices righteousness is of God, and whoever continues in sin has not truly known Him. This does not mean we will never struggle or fail, but it does mean that sin should no longer define our lives. If we are born of God, His seed remains in us, and we cannot continue in habitual sin. Our lives will bear evidence of His transforming power.
John connects righteousness with love, reminding us that love is not just an emotion but an action. He contrasts the way of Cain, who murdered his brother out of jealousy, with the way of Christ, who laid down His life for us. This is the ultimate example of love—self-sacrifice for the sake of others. As followers of Jesus, we are called to lay down our lives for one another. This does not always mean physically dying for someone, but it does mean living in a way that puts others before ourselves.
True love is demonstrated through action. If we see someone in need and have the ability to help but choose not to, how can God’s love be in us? Love is not just words or feelings; it is shown in how we treat others. This challenges us to examine our lives. Are we truly loving in the way God has called us to? Are we willing to serve, give, and sacrifice for others?
John reassures us that when we live in love and truth, we can have confidence before God. Our hearts may sometimes condemn us, but God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. This is comforting because we do not rely on our own feelings or performance, but on God’s perfect knowledge and grace. When our hearts are aligned with His will, we can ask for what we need and receive it because we are living in obedience.
The commandment we are given is simple yet profound: believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another. This sums up what it means to walk with God. Our faith and our love go hand in hand. We cannot claim to love God while hating or neglecting others. True faith results in genuine love.
John reminds us that when we keep God’s commandments, we remain in Him, and He remains in us. This is made evident by the Spirit He has given us. The Holy Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God, guiding us in truth and love. Through Him, we experience God’s presence and power in our daily lives.
1 John 3 calls us to live as true children of God. It urges us to abandon sin, embrace righteousness, and demonstrate love through our actions. We are reminded that our identity is rooted in God’s love, that our hope in Christ purifies us, and that our lives should reflect His character. This chapter is both a challenge and a reassurance. It challenges us to examine how we live, making sure that our faith is more than words. At the same time, it reassures us that we are deeply loved by God and that His Spirit lives in us, guiding us every step of the way.
As we reflect on this chapter, we should ask ourselves: Are we living in the light of God’s love? Do our actions reflect the righteousness of Christ? Are we loving others in a way that goes beyond words? When we truly grasp what it means to be children of God, it changes everything. We no longer live for ourselves but for Him, loving as He loves and walking as He walked.