¹⁶ We know what real love is from Christ’s example in dying for us. And so we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers.

¹⁷ But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won’t help him—how can God’s love be within him? ¹⁸ Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. ¹⁹ Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God’s side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.