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

³⁴ So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵ Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

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.

²² And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.

²³ And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded 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.

²¹ And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.^[a]

¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.