For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
John keeps writing his letter to help God's family love God and each other.
In this part, John shows us how we know we really love Jesus.
Today's Story
“My dear children,” John wrote. He talked to them so gently, the way a kind grandpa talks.
“I am writing so you will not do wrong things,” he said. “But if you do, do not be afraid. Jesus is on your side. He speaks up for you, like a friend who stands right beside you.”
Then John asked a question. How can we tell if we really love Jesus? It is not just by saying it with our mouths. We show it by doing what He says.
“If you say you know Jesus but you do not do what He says, that is not quite true,” John wrote. “But when you do what He says, your love for Him grows big and real.”
And what does Jesus ask us to do? One of the most important things is this: love each other.
John said it is like light and dark. If you say you love God but you hate your brother or sister, you are stumbling in the dark. But if you love the people around you, you are walking in the light, and you can see right where to go.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Who is someone you love? How do they know you love them — do you just say it, or do you show it too?
- Why do you think love is easier to see when we do kind things, not just say nice words?
- What is one thing Jesus asks us to do that you could do for someone in your house this week?