Definition: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important and poetic verse from 1 John 3:1. It’s a really deep one, so let’s go through it slowly and carefully. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Behold, what manner of love…” – This is a way of saying “Let me tell you about something amazing.” It's inviting us to hear a story. “…the Father has bestowed upon us…” – The Father (God) is giving something special and precious to us. It’s not just any gift; it’s a unique and significant one. “that we should be called the sons of God…” – This means we're given a special title or label – being called “sons of God.” It's a really beautiful way of saying we are made in God’s image, reflecting His love and character. Think of it like being adopted into a family with a special bond. “therefore the world knoweth us not…” - This is the core of the verse. The world – all people on Earth – doesn't understand what this means. They don’t recognize or accept this incredible gift. It’s as if we’re hidden, unknown, and separate from God. “because it knew him not.” – This is the key to understanding why. The Father knew Him (God) perfectly and fully. He loved Him so much that He gave us this special title and purpose. But the world doesn't understand His love because they haven’t experienced it themselves. It’s like a beautiful painting – you see the colors, but don’t truly grasp the emotion behind it. So, putting it all together: This verse says that God has given us a unique and special relationship with Him. He loves us so much that He's bestowed upon us a special title – “sons of God” – and because we don’t recognize this gift, the world doesn't know about it. It’s a powerful message of grace and divine love! What does this mean for us ? It means we are made in God’s image and have a special connection to Him. We are called to live a life that reflects His love and goodness, and to share that with the world. It’s about recognizing and embracing the divine nature within ourselves. --- Resources for further exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1313/3/1John31](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1313/3/1John31) - This website has a good explanation and translation of the verse. ChristianityFacts: [https://www.christianityfacts.org/john-31](https://www.christianityfacts.org/john-31) - Offers insights into the context and meaning of this passage. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Relate it to a particular theme or concept (like grace, redemption, or our relationship with God)?

Definition: In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It’s a really important one, and it speaks about the nature of believers and those who aren't. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse is essentially saying that people who are truly connected to God – those who live righteously and love others – are clearly identifiable as God’s children. And people who don’t follow God’s will, or aren't kind and loving, are not God’s children. Let's unpack it word by word: "1 John 3:10" : This is the title of the verse – it’s a specific passage from the book of John. “In this the children of God are manifest…” : This means "In this instance," or "At this point," "We see clearly" that the people who are truly connected to God are visible . "Children of God" refers to believers – those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ. “and the children of the devil:” This means “and those who do not follow God’s will, or are unkind and selfish.” "The devil" is often seen as representing evil and opposition to God. “whosoever doeth not righteousness…” : This is a crucial part – “doeth not righteousness” means “doesn't live righteously.” It’s about lacking the qualities that make us good. “…is not of God…” : This means "isn't God's child." It suggests a lack of connection to God's love and purpose. “neither he that loveth not his brother:” This is the final part, and it’s very important. “Loveth not his brother” means “doesn’t love others.” It’s pointing out that we are called to love everyone – even those who are difficult or wrong. In a nutshell: The verse says that genuine faith and love for God are evident, while those who don't follow God's principles are not. It’s a call to live a life of righteousness and kindness. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that our actions have consequences and that true connection with God requires more than just believing – it involves living a moral and loving life. Does that make sense? Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give some examples of what "righteousness" or "love for brother" means in everyday life?

Definition: For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse! It's really quite straightforward: “1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” Here’s a simple explanation: "For this is the message..." – This means what Jesus told us in the Bible is true and important. It's like a key to understanding something fundamental. "...that you heard from the beginning." – This refers to the teachings of Jesus, which he revealed to his followers when he was here on Earth. Think of it as the foundation upon which everything else is built. "That we should love one another." – This is the main takeaway. It’s a command or a guideline . It means to treat each other with kindness, compassion, and respect. Basically, the verse is saying that Jesus wants us to be loving and supportive towards each other. It's a core message of love and unity in the Bible. What does this mean practically? It’s about: Forgiveness: Letting go of anger and resentment toward others. Kindness: Being gentle and considerate with everyone you meet. Unity: Working together towards common goals, even when we disagree. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail or perhaps explore why it's so important? For example, I could tell you about: The historical context of John’s letter. How this verse relates to other parts of the Bible (like love and forgiveness).

Definition: Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse together. It’s a really important passage in the Bible and it speaks about love, forgiveness, and how we should treat others. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we shouldn’t act like Cain , who was a terrible person and killed his brother. It’s emphasizing the importance of being good and loving people. Let’s unpack each part: “1 John 3:12” : This is the title of the verse – it's from the first letter of John, a book known for its love and guidance. “Not as Cain…” : This immediately sets up a comparison. The verse is about not acting like someone who did terrible things. “…who was of that wicked one…” : This means Cain was a bad person – perhaps a thief, murderer, or someone who caused harm. He’s being compared to a negative example. “and slew his brother.” : This is the core of the verse. Cain killed his brother. “Because his own works were evil…” : This explains why Cain did this. His actions (killing his brother) were wrong, and he was responsible for that. It’s a consequence of his bad choices. “…and his brother’s righteous.” : This is the crucial part. The brother was good – he was right, honest, and just. Because of this goodness, God sees him as righteous (good in His eyes). Cain's actions were wrong , but God loves those who are righteous. In short: The verse warns us against acting like someone who is inherently evil. It’s about choosing to be good, loving, and just – even when it’s difficult. It emphasizes that forgiveness and love are more important than revenge. What does this mean for us ? This verse encourages us to: Be kind: Treat others with compassion and understanding. Forgive: Don't hold onto anger or resentment. Love: Show God’s love through our actions, even when it’s challenging. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Or would you like a different way to understand this verse? For example, are you curious about its connection to forgiveness?

Definition: Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from 1 John 3:13. It's a really important one with some deep meaning about love and acceptance. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” Let’s unpack that: “My brethren” : This refers to believers – those who have faith in Jesus Christ. It's a call-and-response, suggesting we’re together as a community of Christians. “Marvel not” : This is the key part. “Marvel” means to be surprised or confused. The verse isn't saying we should be upset; it’s urging us to not be surprised by this reaction. “If the world hate you” : This means that people who don’t believe in Jesus, or who oppose Christianity, might feel angry or sad towards us. So, what does this verse really mean? It's essentially saying: "Don’t be surprised if people don’t accept your faith. It's a natural response to believing something so profound and true." But there's a deeper layer of meaning – it’s about why they might hate us. The verse emphasizes that we are not the cause of their negativity. It highlights that God loves us unconditionally, even when people don’t understand or accept our beliefs. It’s a reminder that: God's love is bigger than human judgment. We aren't responsible for others’ reactions to our faith. Our focus should be on loving God and loving one another, regardless of what others think. In short, the verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to continue to love each other with grace and patience, even when it’s difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday life? Talk about the historical context behind this passage?

Definition: We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and important verse together! It's a really powerful message about love and how it affects our relationship with others. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that when we truly love someone – especially your brother – we are moving past death (literally, from the grave) and into life. It's a radical shift! Let's break it down word by word: "1 John 3:14" : This is the title of the passage in the Bible – it’s a chapter in the book of John. "We know that we have passed from death unto life..." : This part means we've left behind our past, our problems, and even our sorrows. We've moved forward . It's like turning a corner and moving towards something better. "From death unto life" is a metaphorical way of saying this – it’s about escaping the darkness of despair and entering into hope and joy. "...because we love the brethren." : This is the key part! “Brothers” refers to your fellow believers – those who share the same faith, the same beliefs, and the same community. It's a reminder that loving others is about being connected with them on a spiritual level. "He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." : This is the most impactful part. It means that if you don’t love your brother , you are essentially choosing to live in death – in a state of hatred, bitterness, and separation from others. It suggests a very dark path – a life lived without compassion or connection. So, what's the message? The verse is saying that love is essential for our well-being. When we love others, we are not just being nice; we’re actively choosing to live a life of goodness and kindness. It’s a powerful reminder that loving someone means putting their needs before your own – it's a fundamental requirement for spiritual growth and happiness. In short: Love is the path out of death, and it’s the only way to truly thrive as a Christian. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to show love to others? Talk about why this verse is important for Christians?

Definition: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from 1 John 3:15. It’s a really powerful message about love and how we treat others. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that hatefulness towards your brother is a sign of being a murderer. It’s a very strong warning! Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Whosoever hateth his brother…” – This means someone who actively dislikes, judges, or harms another person. “Hateth” implies a deep, painful dislike. “…is a murderer:” – This is the core of the message. It’s not just any dislike; it's a hatred that goes to the point of causing harm. Murdering someone is considered a grave sin and is irreversible. “and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” – This is where it gets really important. "Eternal life" refers to a life filled with peace, happiness, and connection with God. But this verse says that if someone has hatred toward their brother, they cannot have an eternal life. It’s like a poison that destroys the soul. In simpler terms: If you constantly criticize, belittle, or harm others, it's a sign of a deep unhappiness and a lack of love for God. That negativity is actively damaging your own soul and preventing you from finding true peace. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. It’s a call to be a loving and supportive person, recognizing that our actions affect others. It emphasizes that genuine love for God leads to loving one's neighbor – including your brothers and sisters. Does it mean you have to forgive someone who hurts you? No! This verse doesn’t say you must forgive someone who harms you. It’s a warning about how you treat others. It's about choosing love, even when it's difficult. Resources for Further Understanding: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1335/1John315): A great place to read the verse in various translations and see context. [ChristianityFacts.org](https://www.christianityfacts.org/1-john-315): Provides a good overview of this passage within the Christian Bible. Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 John 3:15? Discuss what this verse might mean in different cultural contexts?

Definition: Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful passage from 1 John 3:16. It’s a really important one about God's love and how it affects us. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Message: This verse essentially says that God actively loves us so much that he gave his life for us. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a tangible commitment. Let's unpack it word by word: “1 John 3:16” : This is the title of the verse – it’s from the first letter of John, a book known for its warm and loving message. “Hereby perceive we the love [of God]” : "Perceive" means to understand or recognize something. “We” refers to us, as believers. This part says that we , as people who believe in Jesus, can see and understand God’s love for us. It's not just a vague feeling; we can actually know it. “because he laid down his life for us” : This is the really important part! God sacrificed himself – his very life – to show us how much he loves us. It’s not that he wanted to, but because of his love, he willingly gave up his own existence. “and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” : “Brothers” refers to fellow believers – people who share the same faith and are part of a community of Christians. This means that we should also be willing to sacrifice our time, effort, or even our comfort for others who believe in Jesus. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that God’s love isn't just a distant concept; it's a powerful and active commitment. He loves us so much that he would give his life for us. And because of this, we are called to show our love to others in the same way – by being willing to sacrifice for them. In simpler terms: God doesn’t just say he loves us; he actively gives his life for us. We should be like that - offering ourselves and our time to those who believe in Christ. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a call to selfless service and compassion – being willing to put the needs of others before our own. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore related Bible verses that build on this idea?

Definition: But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse – it's a really beautiful and comforting one! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about love and being compassionate towards others. It’s asking a question: “If you see someone struggling or in need, how can you show your love for them?” Let's unpack it word-by-word: “But whoso hath this world’s good…” – This means someone who is enjoying the blessings and advantages of this world. They're comfortable and secure. “…and seeth his brother have need…” – This is the key part. It refers to recognizing that someone else does have a problem, difficulty, or hardship. “And shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him?” – This is where it gets really powerful. The word “shutteth” means to pull or move something upwards. The word "bowls" refers to the feelings of empathy and compassion. So, this phrase means that the person feels a strong sense of worry, sadness, or concern for their brother’s suffering. Putting it all together: The verse is saying: “If you see someone struggling, and you feel a deep sympathy for them, how can you show your love for them? You're experiencing the same feeling of worry that they are.” The Meaning & Application: This verse isn’t about doing something grand. It’s about recognizing another person's suffering and responding with genuine care and concern. It encourages us to be empathetic – to understand and share in someone else’s feelings. It points to a deeper, spiritual connection—a love of God that transcends our own comfort. In short: The verse is an invitation to show love and compassion to those around you, recognizing their struggles and offering your support. Important Note: This verse isn't about being selfish – it’s about showing love for God's creation (everyone!). It’s a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of kindness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Relate it to a specific story or example?

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

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this beautiful verse from 1 John 3:18. It’s a really important message about how we should really love God and each other. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to love God and others with action and truth , not just words. It's saying that true love isn’t just about saying the right things; it's about doing good and being honest in our relationships. Let's break it down word by word: “My little children…” : This refers to believers – those who have a relationship with God. It uses a familiar term for children, suggesting tenderness and care. “…let us not love in word…” : This means don’t just talk about loving God or others; actually show it through your words. It's about genuine affection, not just empty declarations. “…neither in tongue…” : This is a bit more challenging. It suggests that love isn't limited to spoken language. It can be shown through actions – kindness, compassion, forgiveness - even without saying anything specific. "...but in deed and in truth.” : This is the crucial part! It means do what you say you will do. It’s about living your love with honesty and doing good deeds. “Truth” refers to being truthful, honest, and genuine. In essence, the verse is saying: Genuine love isn't just about talking about it; it's about being loving through your actions and being completely honest in how you treat others. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to be authentic in our relationships with God and with each other. It’s a call to live a life that reflects the love of Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 John 3:18? Give you some examples of how to show love through action?