Everyone who hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer [by God’s standards]; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

By this we will know [without any doubt] that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart and quiet our conscience before Him

whenever our heart convicts us [in guilt]; for God is greater than our heart and He knows all things [nothing is hidden from Him because we are in His hands].

Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence [complete assurance and boldness] before God;

Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].