3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
3 John 1:11
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” This verse returns to a concise moral contrast. It urges discernment: the path one follows reveals one’s affiliation with God. In the face of diatribe or factionalism, John appeals to the observable behavior that distinguishes believers from those who deny the truth. The verb “follow” implies allegiance and imitation—what or whom you imitate shows whose you are. The statement ties ethical conduct to divine orientation: doing good marks one as God’s child; doing evil marks one as distant from God. This is not a call to perfection but a call to consistent, gospel-shaped living.
Themes include righteousness as evidence of salvation, sanctification, and the transformative effect of Christ’s lordship on daily life. The verse reinforces the New Testament idea that faith is lived out in actions—love, generosity, truth-telling, and integrity. It also highlights the certainty of divine perspective: God sees and knows those who truly belong to him by their deeds. It encourages believers to pursue good, reject evil, and align their conduct with God’s character.
Apply by evaluating daily choices: how you treat others, honesty in work, integrity in financial dealings, and acts of mercy. Be intentional about imitating Christ in small and large things—gentleness in conflict, generosity to those in need, and truthfulness in speech. Surround yourself with communities that encourage good deeds and accountability. If you recognize patterns of evil in yourself, seek confession and repentance, with practical steps to change. The verse invites a posture of ongoing transformation rather than complacent belief.
Cross-References: 1 John 3:10; Galatians 5:22-23; James 2:14-17; 1 Peter 2:12