1 John 3:13-24
We should not be in the least bit surprised by the way the world hates the children of God (v. 13; cf. John 15:18 . . .). We should rather be wary of its smiles. The world has a false view of love: its motives are never pure; it is never totally unselfish. The only true love is God’s love whose source is in Himself and not in the object of His love. We need just such a love because there is nothing worth loving in us. The cross is the place where we learn just how great is divine love (v. 16).
Vv. 19-22 emphasize the necessity of having a good conscience, of having a heart which does not condemn us. If we were to do only those things which pleased the Lord He would answer every one of our prayers without exception. Parents who are happy with their child’s behaviour will freely grant him anything he asks of them (v. 22; cf. John 8:29; John 11:42). To dwell in Him is obedience; to have Him in us is the communion which stems from obedience (v. 24; 1 John 2:4-6; 1 John 4:16; John 14:20; John 15:5; John 15:7). An open vessel, dipped into water, comes out both washed and filled. May our hearts likewise be washed and filled with the love of Christ!