1 John 3:18

KJV

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

My {G3450} little children {G5040}, let us {G25} not {G3361} love {G25} in word {G3056}, neither {G3366} in tongue {G1100}; but {G235} in deed {G2041} and {G2532} in truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Children, let us love not with words and talk, but with actions and in reality!

Berean Standard Bible

Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

American Standard Version

My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle John, addressing his spiritual "little children," issues a profound and practical exhortation regarding the nature of genuine Christian love. He emphatically contrasts superficial, verbal expressions of affection with the authentic, tangible demonstration of love through action and sincerity. This verse serves as a foundational call for believers to embody a love that is not merely declared but is visibly manifested in their deeds and rooted in an unwavering commitment to truth and integrity, reflecting the very character of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "Love in Deed and Truth") is situated within a crucial section of John's first epistle that delineates the characteristics of true children of God. Immediately preceding this verse, John has presented the ultimate example of love: Christ's sacrificial act of laying down His life for believers ([1 John 3:16](/1_john/3-16 "Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Following this, he challenges believers to emulate Christ's self-giving love by practically meeting the needs of their brothers and sisters ([1 John 3:17](/1_john/3-17 "Practical Love for Believers")). Thus, [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "Love in Deed and Truth") functions as a climactic summary and direct application of these preceding verses, urging a transition from theoretical understanding or verbal assent to concrete, verifiable acts of love. It sets the stage for further discussions on assurance and the Spirit's role in discerning true faith in the subsequent verses of [1 John 3](/1_john/3 "Children of God").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and eloquent speech were highly valued, often leading to a disparity between spoken words and actual behavior. John's community, likely facing internal divisions and external pressures from false teachers (proto-Gnostics who emphasized knowledge over ethical conduct), needed a clear distinction between superficial piety and genuine faith. These false teachers might have claimed spiritual superiority while lacking practical love. John's emphasis on "deed and truth" directly counters any notion that faith or love could exist purely in the realm of intellectual assent or verbal declaration without tangible expression. The call to practical love also resonates with Jewish ethical traditions that emphasized hospitality and care for the vulnerable, which early Christian communities adopted and expanded upon as a hallmark of their identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 John](/1_john/1 "The First Epistle of John"). Foremost is the theme of **Authentic Love**, which is presented not as a mere sentiment but as a dynamic, active principle that distinguishes true believers. It underscores the **Necessity of Righteous Living** as an outflow of genuine faith, contrasting it with hypocrisy or empty religiosity. The concept of **Truth** is also central, implying that genuine love is sincere, transparent, and consistent with God's character, who is Himself truth. This aligns with John's broader emphasis on walking in the light and having fellowship with God ([1 John 1:6-7](/1_john/1-6-7 "Walking in the Light")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Christian Assurance**, as the practice of genuine love provides evidence of one's spiritual rebirth and abiding in Christ ([1 John 3:19-20](/1_john/3-19-20 "Assurance Through Love")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb, derived from G25, refers to a selfless, sacrificial, and volitional love, distinct from mere affection (phileo). It is the characteristic love of God, demonstrated supremely in Christ's actions. Here, John uses it to describe the active, intentional choice to seek the good of another, even at personal cost. The present active subjunctive "let us love" indicates an ongoing, deliberate action or attitude that believers are called to maintain.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, this term primarily means "something said" or "speech." In this context, it refers to verbal expressions, declarations, or mere talk. John contrasts this with concrete actions, implying that love expressed only in words, without corresponding deeds, is insufficient and potentially hollow.
* **deed (Greek, _érgon'_):** Derived from G2041, meaning "toil" or "an act," this word signifies concrete, practical actions or works. It emphasizes the tangible, observable manifestation of love. John insists that love must move beyond the realm of verbal intention into the sphere of practical assistance, service, and generosity.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** From G225, this word denotes "truth" or "reality." In conjunction with "deed," it implies sincerity, integrity, and authenticity. Love "in truth" means love that is genuine, without pretense, hypocrisy, or hidden motives. It is love that aligns with reality and reflects the character of God, who is the ultimate truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My little children":** This tender and affectionate address (Greek: _teknia mou_) is characteristic of John's pastoral tone throughout his epistles. It highlights his deep spiritual concern for his readers, viewing them as his spiritual offspring or beloved disciples. It sets a warm, familial context for the strong exhortation that follows, underscoring the intimate relationship between the apostle and the community, and among believers themselves.
* **"let us not love in word, neither in tongue":** This is a negative command, warning against a superficial or insincere expression of love. "In word" (_en logō_) and "in tongue" (_en glōssē_) are parallel phrases, emphasizing verbal declarations that lack corresponding action. John is not condemning words of affirmation or encouragement, but rather love that *only* exists in speech, without genuine commitment or practical manifestation. It points to the danger of hypocrisy or empty rhetoric.
* **"but in deed and in truth":** This introduces the positive command, contrasting sharply with the preceding negative. "In deed" (_en ergō_) refers to tangible, practical actions—the giving of resources, time, or effort to meet a need. "And in truth" (_kai alētheia_) signifies sincerity, authenticity, and integrity. This phrase ensures that even actions are not merely performative but are motivated by genuine, honest love, free from pretense or ulterior motives. It means love that is real, consistent, and aligned with God's character.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "Love in Deed and Truth") is **Antithesis** (or contrast). John creates a sharp distinction between two opposing ways of expressing love: "in word, neither in tongue" versus "in deed and in truth." This rhetorical strategy highlights the inadequacy of one form of love (verbal only) by juxtaposing it with the genuine, effective form (active and sincere). The affectionate opening, "My little children," establishes a **Pastoral Tone**, softening the directness of the command and underscoring John's loving concern for his readers. The use of **Parallelism** in "in word, neither in tongue" reinforces the idea of superficiality, while the pairing of "deed and truth" emphasizes the dual requirements of practical action and genuine sincerity for authentic love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "Love in Deed and Truth") is a powerful theological statement on the nature of divine love as it is to be embodied by believers. It asserts that true love, being an attribute of God Himself ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "God is Love")), cannot remain abstract or merely verbal. It must find concrete expression in actions that reflect God's own self-giving nature. This verse connects the ethical demands of the Christian life directly to the very character of God and the example of Christ, moving beyond mere moralism to a profound theological anthropology where humans, made in God's image and indwelt by His Spirit, are called to participate in His love. It underscores that love is the distinguishing mark of true discipleship, validating one's claim to know God.

* [James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "Faith Without Works is Dead")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "The Judgment of the Nations")
* [Romans 12:9-10](/romans/12-9-10 "Marks of a True Christian")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "Love in Deed and Truth") serves as an enduring challenge to every believer, urging us to scrutinize the authenticity of our love. In a world saturated with empty promises and superficial interactions, this verse calls us to a higher standard of genuine, active compassion. It compels us to move beyond well-intentioned sentiments or polite expressions of care to tangible demonstrations of affection and concern. This means actively seeking opportunities to serve, to give sacrificially, to offer practical help, and to stand in solidarity with those who are vulnerable or in need. Furthermore, the inclusion of "in truth" reminds us that our actions must be motivated by pure, sincere motives, free from hypocrisy, self-interest, or a desire for recognition. True love, as taught by John, is a costly commitment that transforms our words into living realities, making our faith visible and credible to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to "love in word" only, without corresponding "deed and truth"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate love "in deed" to someone in my family, church, or community?**
* **How can I ensure that my acts of love are always "in truth," motivated by genuine sincerity rather than obligation or self-gain?**
* **How does the example of Christ's love in [1 John 3:16](/1_john/3-16 "Christ's Sacrificial Love") inspire and challenge my own expression of love?**

### FAQ
**What does John mean by "love in word, neither in tongue"?**

Answer: John is not condemning all verbal expressions of love. Instead, he is warning against love that is *only* verbal—love that is spoken but not acted upon. "In word" and "in tongue" refer to empty talk, insincere declarations, or well-wishing that doesn't translate into practical help or genuine commitment. It's a critique of hypocrisy or a superficial display of affection that lacks substance.

**Why is "in truth" as important as "in deed" for genuine love?**

Answer: "In truth" signifies sincerity, integrity, and authenticity. While "in deed" emphasizes the practical action, "in truth" addresses the motivation and character behind the action. It means that our deeds of love should be genuine, without pretense, hidden agendas, or a desire for personal gain. Love "in truth" ensures that our actions are consistent with our professed faith and reflect the honest, transparent character of God. It guards against performative acts that lack true heart.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of 1 John?**

Answer: [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "Love in Deed and Truth") is central to John's overarching theme of distinguishing true believers from false ones. Throughout [1 John](/1_john/1 "The First Epistle of John"), John provides "tests" of genuine faith: obedience to God's commands, walking in the light, and especially, loving one another. This verse directly links the practice of love in deed and truth to the evidence of being born of God and knowing Him, serving as a practical litmus test for authentic Christian living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "Love in Deed and Truth") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of love "in deed and in truth," not merely speaking words of love but demonstrating it through His entire life and, supremely, in His sacrificial death. As John himself states just two verses prior, [By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us](/1_john/3-16 "Christ's Sacrificial Love"). Christ's incarnation was a deed of love, taking on human flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). His ministry was filled with deeds of compassion—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowful, and teaching with authority ([Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Jesus' Ministry")). His crucifixion was the ultimate deed of love, laying down His life as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a love both active and utterly truthful in its self-giving. Furthermore, Jesus consistently spoke "truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and His actions perfectly aligned with His words, demonstrating a seamless integrity between His teaching and His life. Believers are called to love in this manner because Christ first loved them, and His Spirit empowers them to live out this costly, authentic love, transforming them into His likeness ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Walk in Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 2:15

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

James 2:16

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 Corinthians 13:4

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Corinthians 13:7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.