John wrote this letter to encourage the Christians. He wanted them to know the truth. Then they would recognise false ideas.

1 Think about how much God the Father loves us. He calls us his children! God loves us so much that we really have become his children.

John speaks in amazement about this manner of love that makes us children of God. He wants us to behold it – that is, look at it and study it intently.

John begins by demanding that his people should remember their privileges. It is their privilege that they are called the children of God.

14 We know that we now have new life with God. Death no longer has power over us. We know this because we love our Christian friends.

Even if our thoughts tell us that we have done something wrong, we still will not be afraid of God. We can trust God more than we trust our thoughts.

Verses 1 through 3 focus on God's love, and how that love results in believers becoming children of God. The second section begins in verse 4, which notes " ...

Think about how much God the Father loves us. He calls us his children! God loves us so much that we really have become his children.

What does 1 John 3 mean? Commentary, explanation and study verse by verse by EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries. ONLINE and FREE.

The apostle here magnifies the love of God in our adoption (v. 1, 2). He thereupon argues for holiness (v. 3), and against sin (v. 4-19).