¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.

¹² This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

¹⁴ If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers,^[a] it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. ¹⁵ Anyone who hates another brother or sister^[b] is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them.

¹⁶ We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister^[c] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

¹⁷ Respect everyone, and love the family of believers.^[a] Fear God, and respect the king.