1 John 3:17–18

Context

1 John has traditionally been attributed to the apostle John, although scholars hold differing views on its authorship. The letter is written to a community whose members the author addresses as "little children." Beginning at 3:11, the theme "that we should love one another" runs through the passage. The author contrasts Cain, who hated his brother (Cain and Abel), with Christ, who laid down his life for us (1 John 3:12, 3:16). After stating that "we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren," the author brings that love down to the level of everyday life in these verses. The point is that, even before the great sacrifice of laying down one's life, the test of love is helping a poor brother with the goods one already has. Verse 19 continues, "And hereby we know that we are of the truth."

Interpretation

• Love as a mark of genuine faith: Reformed and evangelical interpreters generally read this passage not as a condition of salvation but as evidence of a salvation already received. Together with verse 19, it is sometimes treated as a standard for examining one's assurance of salvation.
• Sanctification and works of mercy: The Wesleyan theology tradition connects this passage with the teaching that sanctification must be expressed in concrete acts of love for one's neighbor. It is often used in Methodist and Holiness sermons that emphasize works of mercy.
• Sharing within the community: Many interpreters hold that the "brother" of the original text refers first of all to a fellow member of the same community of faith. This reading connects with the early church's tradition of sharing.

Questions of Application

The passage has given rise to few major doctrinal disputes, but several questions are frequently raised.

• The scope of "brother": Views differ on whether the passage is limited to care among church members or should be read more broadly as applying to all neighbors.
• The meaning of "the love of God": The original expression can be read either as "love for God" or as "love that comes from God," and commentators differ in their emphasis.
• Translation: The Korean Revised Version's rendering "stops up the heart to help" was changed to "closes" in the New Korean Revised Version. The New Korean Standard Version renders the phrase so as to convey the sense of "closing the door of one's heart." The original term refers to the inward parts, the seat of the emotions, that is, compassion.

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently cited in sermons and church newsletters encouraging offerings for almsgiving, aid to neighbors, and the church's social service. In particular, the phrase in verse 18, "let us not love in word, neither in tongue," is commonly invoked when reflecting on a disconnect between faith and life.

Related Passages

• James 2:15–17
• 1 John 4:20–21
• Proverbs 19:17
• Galatians 5:6
• Acts 4:32–35