1 John 3:18

Translations

Modern

Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Traditional

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Literal

Little children, may we love not in word nor in tongue, but in work and in truth.

Latin

Filioli mei, non diligamus verbo neque lingua, sed opere et veritate:

Original

Greek

English

Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Notes

1 John 3:16–18

Christ’s example shows that real love requires self-sacrifice. We follow his example when we care deeply about the needs of other people. This means giving our time, effort, prayers, and possessions to help them. In some cases, it may even mean giving our lives to meet their needs.

1 John 3:11–22

John now emphasizes that Christians need to love one another (see John 13:34).

Theme notes and profiles

Loving Others Social Justice

Related verses

James 2:15–16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
1 Peter 1:22
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Galatians 6:1–2
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Ephesians 4:1–3
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
Matthew 25:41–45
Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
…and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
Ezekiel 33:31
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.

1 John 3:18

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