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: If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down John 3:12. It’s a really important verse in the Bible that explores God’s love and our relationship with Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking us to consider whether we truly believe in something that God reveals to us. It's about the power of faith – believing really hard. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “If I have told you earthly things…” - This refers to everything we’ve learned throughout our lives, from the everyday to the grandest stories. It's all the information we've ever received. “…and ye believe not…” – This means you don’t understand or accept what God is telling you. You haven't grasped the meaning of it. “How shall ye believe, if I tell you [of] heavenly things?” - Now, this is the big question! “Heavenly things” refers to something incredibly important – God’s love, His plan for humanity, and the possibility of eternal life. Putting it all together: John 3:12 is saying that if we don't believe in the truth about God, about what He wants for us, then we can’t truly believe in anything beyond that truth. It’s suggesting that our belief isn’t just about understanding things; it’s about accepting something fundamentally important and divine. The Core Message: It's a powerful reminder that God reveals His love and purpose to us through faith. Believing means embracing that truth, not just intellectually, but with a heart and soul. --- In short, the verse is saying: "True belief starts with accepting God's message, which is far beyond anything we can understand on our own." Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? Perhaps you’d like to know about: The symbolism behind “earthly things”? Why it’s considered a foundational verse?