1 John 3:23
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
1 John 3:23
This verse distills the Christian mission into two commands: belief in Jesus and love for one another, with “as he gave us commandment” tying it to Jesus’ own directive. The early church wrestled with competing claims about who belonged to God; John sets the essential mark: trust in Jesus and active love within the community. The structure serves as a litmus test for authentic faith, balancing doctrinal belief with lived, relational obedience.
Belief in Jesus’ name and love for one another express the deepest apostolic teaching about God’s will. The verse frames salvation as trust in Christ and participation in a community of love. It also points to the Trinitarian pattern—God’s will is revealed in and through the Son, and then lived out in the church’s mutual affection.
Practically, reorient life around this twofold command: anchor your faith in Jesus and invest in loving others in tangible ways. Practice would include mentoring, supporting a friend through hardship, or reconciling with someone you’ve harmed. Let love be the engine that defines your daily choices, from workplace ethics to home life.
Cross-References: John 13:34–35; Romans 13:8–10; Galatians 5:13–14; 1 John 4:7–21; Matthew 22:37–40