I John 2-3

“Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (3:18). In John’s time, there was an idea that minds and bodies were separate. Some people thought they could believe in Jesus with their minds or spirits, but continue practicing sin with their bodies. But John said we can be certain we know God “if we keep His commandments” (2:3). We may occasionally sin and need forgiveness (1:8), but those who go on boldly practicing sin are “of the devil” (3:8).

We cannot “know” God and hate others (2:9-11). Love for God reveals itself in kindness toward people.