“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1
1 John 3 NKJV
The Love of God
When we delve into the theme of 1 John 3, we discover an overwhelming sense of God’s love for us. It’s so profound that it not only nurtures us but also defines who we are. As we embrace this love, we are encouraged to reflect it in our lives. This love is a gift that empowers us to love others just as He loves us. It’s a comforting reminder that we are His children, and with that comes the privilege of representing Him in our everyday actions. So, let’s celebrate this wonderful love that transforms us into vessels of grace and compassion for the world around us!
1 John 3:1
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” – 1 John 3:1
1 John 3:16
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” – 1 John 3:16
1 John 3:2
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” – 1 John 3:2
1 John 3:18
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
1 John 3:5
“And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” – 1 John 3:5
Living Righteously
As we explore 1 John 3, we find an important message about living according to God’s righteousness. Following Him means striving for a life that reflects His goodness and mercy. It’s a challenge, but one that brings us closer to understanding our purpose as God’s children. Living righteously shapes our hearts and minds, leading us to make choices that align with God’s will. We are encouraged to keep pushing forward, even if we stumble, because the journey itself is a testament to our faith and commitment to God.
1 John 3:7
“Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” – 1 John 3:7
1 John 3:10
“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” – 1 John 3:10
1 John 3:9
“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” – 1 John 3:9
1 John 3:14
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” – 1 John 3:14
1 John 3:12
“Not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.” – 1 John 3:12
The Importance of Love
In 1 John 3, love is a recurring theme and a vital aspect of our Christian walk. This love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action we practice daily. We are reminded that love should be the foundation of all our interactions. By loving others, we reflect God’s love and light in a world that often seems dark. Taking the time to show love can make a significant difference in our lives and those around us. Together, we can demonstrate the true essence of Christian fellowship through love, compassion, and understanding.
1 John 3:11
“For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” – 1 John 3:11
1 John 3:17
“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” – 1 John 3:17
1 John 3:14
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” – 1 John 3:14
1 John 3:18
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth.” – 1 John 3:18
1 John 3:16
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” – 1 John 3:16
Our Identity in Christ
In 1 John 3, we learn about our identity as children of God. This profound truth shapes how we view ourselves and our relationship with Him. Realizing we are valued and cherished by God gives us confidence and strength. We are not insignificant; rather, we are part of His wonderful plan. Understanding our identity as God’s children encourages us to live out our faith boldly and authentically. Together, let’s remind each other of our worth and reflect the love of Christ in everything we do!
1 John 3:1
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” – 1 John 3:1
1 John 3:2
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” – 1 John 3:2
1 John 3:23
“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” – 1 John 3:23
1 John 3:24
“Now He who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” – 1 John 3:24
1 John 3:9
“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” – 1 John 3:9
Overcoming Sin
The narrative of 1 John 3 encourages us to understand the challenge of sin and how we can overcome it through Jesus. We are reminded that while we may stumble, God’s grace provides a way out. By placing our faith in Him, we can walk in righteousness and resist the temptations that may lead us astray. This passage teaches us that overcoming sin isn’t just about following rules, but about nurturing our relationship with God and relying on His strength. Together, we can support one another in this journey toward holiness and growth.
1 John 3:6
“Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” – 1 John 3:6
1 John 3:4
“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” – 1 John 3:4
1 John 3:8
“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” – 1 John 3:8
1 John 3:5
“And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” – 1 John 3:5
1 John 3:1
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” – 1 John 3:1
The Assurance of Our Faith
1 John 3 reminds us that despite the struggles we may face, we can find assurance in our faith. This assurance comes from knowing that we belong to God and that our identity is rooted in His promises. When the world tries to shake our confidence, we can rest assured that God sees us as His beloved children. Together, we can support each other to trust in His faithfulness and believe that He works all things together for our good. Our faith is a solid foundation that can withstand life’s storms!
1 John 3:21
“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.” – 1 John 3:21
1 John 3:22
“And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” – 1 John 3:22
1 John 3:23
“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” – 1 John 3:23
1 John 3:24
“Now He who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” – 1 John 3:24
1 John 3:19
“And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” – 1 John 3:19
Hope for the Future
The message of 1 John 3 is filled with hope, particularly concerning our future. Not only are we reminded of God’s endless love, but we also find reassurance in what lies ahead. As we anticipate Christ’s return, we are encouraged to lead lives that reflect His character and to hold on to the hope that we will be with Him forever. This hope shapes our present actions and attitudes, pushing us to live with purpose and joy. Let’s encourage one another to keep looking forward, trusting that our future is bright in the hands of our loving Father!
1 John 3:2
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” – 1 John 3:2
1 John 3:28
“And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” – 1 John 3:28
1 John 3:1
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” – 1 John 3:1
1 John 3:22
“And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” – 1 John 3:22
1 John 3:19
“And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” – 1 John 3:19
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of 1 John 3, it’s clear that God’s profound love shapes every aspect of our lives. We have learned that living righteously, loving one another, and understanding our identity in Christ are crucial to walking in faith. We are underscored to overcome sin through His grace and to embrace the assurance that comes from our faith. Additionally, with hope, we can confidently look ahead to an eternal future with Him. Together, as a community of believers, let us reflect on these truths and encourage one another in the journey of faith.
The richness of scripture—a treasure we can hold dearly—reminds us that we are never alone. The love God offers is a powerful force driving us forward, challenging us to be the best versions of ourselves. Finally, as we step into each day, let’s carry these lessons in our hearts, knowing that we are uniquely created, deeply loved, and called to make a difference.
So let’s strive to live authentically in His love, shining brightly for others to see His light in us. Together, we have the strength and hope we need in this beautiful journey of faith!