1 John 3:17-23

The Importance of Loving the Brethren

It may be easy for one to say he would die for the brethren when such has never been required of him. However, the true test of one's willingness to lovingly sacrifice comes when he possess the things necessary to sustain life and sees a brother in need. To refuse to sacrifice for him in such a little way is to show one does not have a love like God had. It is not wrong to use loving words, but it is wrong to substitute them for loving actions (1 John 3:17-18; James 2:15-16)

Those who are of the truth will obey Jesus' words (John 18:37). One of His commands was that Christians love one another and, as already noted, the keeping of such verifies one is of God. Doubts may arise, but comfort and reassurance can belong to the one who exhibits the love of God in his life. One's conscience may not let him rest though he has such assurance, but God is greater than man's conscience and will truly blot out forgiven sins and remember them no more (1 John 3:19-20; Hebrews 10:16-17)

The Christian's conscience should only be hushed by God's forgiveness. When one has forgiveness through the blood of Christ, he can boldly enter heaven because of its cleansing power (Hebrews 10:18-20). Specifically, he can boldly approach God in prayer and know He will attend to his needs (Hebrews 4:16; John 16:23-24). Of course, John is not talking about self-centered, but obedient prayers (James 4:2-3). God is ever listening for the prayers of the righteous to attend to their needs (1 John 3:21-22; 1 Peter 3:10-12). If John had not told his readers something different, they might have said there are two commands in verse 23. Each must believe in Jesus, both his humanity and divinity, as well as obeying Him by loving the brethren. Loving obedience is clearly connected with faith in one great necessary commandment.