Easter Season · Fifth Sunday of Easter · Year B
1 John 3:18-24
Love One Another
April 25, 2027
Overview & Insights
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
Verses 11–18 are unified by the theme of loving one another. Love among the members of the community was first raised in 1 John 2:10 (as love for one’s “brother” or sister) and was the link into this section of the letter in 3:10b. The background to this emphasis on love is the schism which has divided the community (1 John 2:19) and has set former community members against one another. The schismatics have shown a flagrant, Cain-like disregard for their fellow believers. The Elder is greatly concerned that there be sacrificial, practical love among the remaining Johannine Christians.
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Commentary
Commentary on 1 John 3:16-24 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary on loving in deed and truth and the twofold command to believe and love.
1 John 3:16-24 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed reading of love as the defining trait of God's children.
1 John 3 - The Evidence of Love Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse on a heart that condemns us and confidence before God.
1 John 3:18 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on loving in deed and truth rather than word and tongue.
1 John 3:18 Commentary Precept Austin
Word study and cross references on active love and assurance of heart.
Background & Word Study
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
How does John define love?
Love is not word or talk but deed and truth; the one who has the world's goods and shuts his heart against a brother in need has no love of God abiding in him.
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