¹⁸ My children [2:1], we should love people not only ·with words and talk [^Lin word and tongue], but ·by our actions and true caring [or by showing true love through our actions; ^Lin deed and truth].

·This is the way [^LBy this] we ·know [^Lwill know; ^Cperhaps in a future moment of crisis] that we belong to the ·way of truth [^Ltruth]. ·When [or If] our hearts [^Cour conscience] ·make us feel guilty [condemn/convict us], ·we can still have peace before God [our hearts can be reassured before him]. God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything [1 Cor. 4:3–5]. ²¹ ·My dear friends [^LBeloved], if our hearts do not ·make us feel guilty [condemn/convict us], we ·can come without fear into God’s presence [^Lhave boldness/confidence before God]. ²² And ·God gives us [^Lwe receive from him] what we ask for because we obey ·God’s [^Lhis] commands and do what pleases him [John 14:14; 16:23].