¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death to life,^(A) because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.^{(B) 15} Anyone who hates a brother or sister^(C) is a murderer,^(D) and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.^(E)

¹⁶ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.^(F) And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.^{(G) 17} If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them,^(H) how can the love of God be in that person?^(I)

God’s Love and Ours

⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another,^(A) for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God^(B) and knows God.^{(C) 8} Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.^(D)

¹⁶ And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love.^(A) Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.^{(B) 17} This is how love is made complete^(C) among us so that we will have confidence^(D) on the day of judgment:^(E) In this world we are like Jesus. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,^(F) because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.^{(G) 20} Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister^(H) is a liar.^(I) For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,^(J) cannot love God, whom they have not seen.^{(K) 21} And he has given us this command:^(L) Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.^(M)