Love each other

13 Do not be suprised, friends, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love each other. The person who does not love remains in a state of death. 15 The person who hates another is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life dwelling within them.

16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. So we should lay down our own lives for each other. 17 If anyone has material possessions, and sees one of our own in need, but closes their heart against that person, how can it be said that the love of God is within them? 18 My children, our love must not be mere words or talk. It must be true and show itself in actions.

19 This is how we will know we belong to the truth and reassure ourselves in God’s presence: 20 though our conscience condemns us, God is greater than our conscience and knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, then we approach God with confidence, 22 and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we are keeping his commands, and are doing what pleases him. 23 His command is that we should believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, as Christ commanded us. 24 The person who keeps his commands dwells in God and God dwells in them. And we are sure he lives in us because of the Spirit he has given us.