⁵ But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.

²³ Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

²⁸ Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

²¹ Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

¹² No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

¹³ And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.

²⁴ Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

¹² This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.

² We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments.

¹⁸ Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.