1 John 3:18 NIV
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
The verses leading up to this point in 1 John 3 discuss the concept of love and how it is a defining characteristic of those who belong to God. The chapter emphasizes the love of God as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, and it encourages believers to love one another.
In verses 16-17 of the same chapter, it says:
"16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
So, when we come to 1 John 3:18, the author is urging believers to go beyond mere verbal expressions of love and actually demonstrate love through their actions. It's a call to live out the love of God in tangible ways, not just in words or speech. The phrase "in truth" underscores the sincerity and authenticity of this love. The idea is that true love is not just about professing it verbally but is substantiated by genuine actions that reflect God's love, especially in sacrificial acts of service and care for one another.
1 John 3:18 emphasizes the importance of expressing love not just through words but through practical, compassionate actions, mirroring the self-sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
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