12 We should not be like (A)Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? (B)Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers,[a] (C)that the world hates you. 14 We know that (D)we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 (E)Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that (F)no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

16 By this we know love, that (G)he laid down his life for us, and (H)we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But (I)if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet (J)closes his heart against him, (K)how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not (L)love in word or talk but in deed and (M)in truth.

19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, (N)if our heart does not condemn us, (O)we have confidence before God; 22 and (P)whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and (Q)do what pleases him.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 John 3:13 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 14, 16

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine  Leather with Thumb Index
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
Retail: $124.99
Our Price: $65.67
Save: $59.32 (47%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV My Creative Bible--imitation leather, teal
ESV My Creative Bible--imitation leather, teal
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $25.84
Save: $19.15 (43%)
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
Retail: $124.99
Our Price: $62.95
Save: $62.04 (50%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Scripture Journal, Spiral-Bound Edition: Psalms
ESV Scripture Journal, Spiral-Bound Edition: Psalms
Retail: $17.99
Our Price: $7.76
Save: $10.23 (57%)
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
ESV Economy Bible, Softcover, Case of 40
Retail: $199.60
Our Price: $91.60
Save: $108.00 (54%)
3.0 of 5.0 stars