I John 3:17
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If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
this world's good--literally, "livelihood" or substance. If we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (Jo1 3:16), how much more ought we not to withhold our substance? seeth--not merely casually, but deliberately contemplates as a spectator; Greek, "beholds." shutteth up his bowels of compassion--which had been momentarily opened by the spectacle of his brother's need. The "bowels" mean the heart, the seat of compassion. how--How is it possible that "the love of (that is, 'to') God dwelleth (Greek, 'abideth') in him?" Our superfluities should yield to the necessities; our comforts, and even our necessaries in some measure, should yield to the extreme wants of our brethren. "Faith gives Christ to me; love flowing from faith gives me to my neighbor."
Open source ↗The apostle here magnifies the love of God in our adoption (Jo1 3:1, Jo1 3:2). He thereupon argues for holiness (Jo1 3:3), and against sin (v. 4-19). He presses brotherly love (Jo1 3:11-18). How to assure our hearts before God (Jo1 3:19-22). The precept of faith (Jo1 3:23). And the good of obedience (Jo1 3:24).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him.
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.