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16 In this thing we have known the charity of God, for he put his life for us, and we owe to put our lives for our brethren.

17 He that hath the chattel of this world, and seeth that his brother hath need [He that shall have the substance of this world, and shall see his brother have need], and closeth his entrails from him, how dwelleth the charity of God in him?

18 My little sons, love we not in word, neither in tongue, but in work and truth.

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16 By this we perceive love: that he gave his life for us. And therefore we also ought to give our lives for the brethren. 17 Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his compassion from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?

18 My babes, let us not love in word, nor in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

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16 (A)[a]Hereby have we perceived love, that he laid down his life for us: therefore we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 (B)[b]And whosoever hath this [c]world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and [d]shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

18 [e]My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue only, but in deed and in truth.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 John 3:16 Now he showeth how far Christian charity extendeth, even so far, that according to the example of Christ, every man forget himself, to provide for and help his brethren.
  2. 1 John 3:17 He reasoneth by comparison: For if we are bound even to give our life for our neighbors, how much more are we bound to help our brothers’ necessity with our goods and substance?
  3. 1 John 3:17 Wherewith this life is sustained.
  4. 1 John 3:17 Openeth not his heart to him, nor helpeth him willingly and cheerfully.
  5. 1 John 3:18 Christian charity standeth not in words, but in deed, and proceedeth from a sincere affection.