11 Because this is the word which was given to you from the first, that we are to have love for one another;
And now, my sister, I make a request to you, not sending you a new law, but the law which we had from the first, that we have love for one another.
This is the law I give you: Have love one for another, even as I have love for you.
And this is the word which we have from him, that he who has love for God is to have the same love for his brother.
I give you a new law: Have love one for another; even as I have had love for you, so are you to have love one for another. By this it will be clear to all men that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.
And most of all be warm in your love for one another; because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number:
My loved ones, let us have love for one another: because love is of God, and everyone who has love is a child of God and has knowledge of God.
My loved ones, I do not give you a new law, but an old law which you had from the first; this old law is the word which came to your ears. Again, I give you a new law, which is true in him and in you; for the night is near its end and the true light is even now shining out.
Take on yourselves one another's troubles, and so keep the law of Christ.
But the effect of the order is love coming from a clean heart, and a knowledge of what is right, and true faith:
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 John 3
Commentary on 1 John 3 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 3
The apostle here magnifies the love of God in our adoption (v. 1, 2). He thereupon argues for holiness (v. 3), and against sin (v. 4-19). He presses brotherly love (v. 11-18). How to assure our hearts before God (v. 19-22). The precept of faith (v. 23). And the good of obedience (v. 24).
1Jo 3:1-3
The apostle, having shown the dignity of Christ's faithful followers, that they are born of him and thereby nearly allied to God, now here,
1Jo 3:4-10
The apostle, having alleged the believer's obligation to purity from his hope of heaven, and of communion with Christ in glory at the day of his appearance, now proceeds to fill his own mouth and the believer's mind with multiplied arguments against sin, and all communion with the impure unfruitful works of darkness. And so he reasons and argues,
1Jo 3:11-13
The apostle, having intimated that one mark of the devil's children is hatred of the brethren, takes occasion thence,
1Jo 3:14-19
The beloved apostle can scarcely touch upon the mention of sacred love, but he must enlarge upon the enforcement of it, as here he does by divers arguments and incentives thereto; as,
1Jo 3:20-22
The apostle, having intimated that there may be, even among us, such a privilege as an assurance or sound persuasion of heart towards God, proceeds here,
1Jo 3:23-24
The apostle, having mentioned keeping the commandments, and pleasing God, as the qualification of effectual petitioners in and with Heaven, here suitably proceeds,