1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18
“Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” sharpens the call to sincerity in Christian love. John counters a possible culture of eloquent sentiment without moral fruit. The insistence on “deed and in truth” anchors love in concrete actions and honest motives. In the face of false teachings or doctrinal disputes, genuine love remains the practical proof of truth. The context includes competing claims about knowledge and righteousness; John’s antidote is tangible love—a recognizable sign of Christ’s life in us.
The verse emphasizes the inseparability of faith and practice. Love that remains only in talk risks becoming hollow piety. True faith authenticates itself through honest, consistent behavior—acts that align with God’s truth. It also invites believers to integrity: truthfulness in motive and action regarding others.
Apply this by clarifying your daily expressions of love. Don’t merely say “I love you” to a family member while neglecting their needs. Do practical things: help with chores, run errands, or shoulder burdens. In church life, demonstrate truth-keeping by following through on commitments and supporting others in tangible ways. Avoid performative acts; seek to embody love in quiet, consistent service.
Cross-References: James 2:14–17; 1 Peter 3:1–2; Luke 6:32–36; Galatians 5:6; 1 John 3:2–3