Definition: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 John 3:2. It’s a really beautiful and important passage about God’s future relationship with us. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Essentially, it means: “Beloved, we are now experiencing a special connection with God, but we don’t know exactly how that connection will look yet. But, when He appears – or comes back – we will be like Him in all things.” Let's unpack it a little: "Beloved" : This is a warm and loving greeting from the author of the letter. It emphasizes our special relationship with God. “Now are we the sons of God…” : This isn’t about biological relationships. “Sons of God” refers to being created by God, like us. We're not born with a divine nature, but we are given a special position within God's plan. “…and it doth not yet appear what we shall be…” : This is the key part. It’s saying that we don’t know exactly what our future will look like. We haven’t fully realized or experienced all of God's love and purpose for us. We still have a lot to discover. “…but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him…” : This is where the hope comes in. “He” refers to Jesus Christ (the Son of God). When He appears – whether as a future savior or a returning presence – we will become more like Him. We’ll be closer to His perfect nature and way of being. Think of it this way: Imagine you're learning to ride a bike. You don't know exactly how you’ll balance, how fast you’ll go, or what the feeling will be like – but you know that when you master it, you’ll be able to experience the joy and freedom of riding. The overall message is about: Eternal Hope : God's love for us isn't limited to our present lives; it’s eternally present. Transformation : We have the potential to grow closer to God through Him, and that growth will be reflected in how we become like Him. Focus on Christ : The verse emphasizes Jesus as the key to this future relationship, pointing us toward a deeper connection with God. Resources for Further Exploration: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/charts) – This site allows you to see how different verses relate to each other and provides context. [Bible Explanations](https://www.bibleexplanations.com/) - Offers detailed explanations of biblical passages. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps connect it to a specific theme in the Bible?

Definition: For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and important verse from 1 John 3:20. It's a really thought-provoking one! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God’s love isn’t just about giving us things, but also about protecting and guiding us even when we make mistakes. It’s about recognizing that we are fallible – we're not perfect. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For if our heart condemn us…” - This means that when we act badly, sin, or make choices that go against God’s will, we feel like we deserve punishment or rejection. We might feel ashamed, guilty, or even angry. It's a feeling of being unworthy. "...God is greater than our heart…” - This is the key part! God doesn’t just give us forgiveness or love because we deserve it. He knows everything about us – our past mistakes, our weaknesses, and even our desires. He knows that we are prone to making wrong choices. "...and knoweth all things." - This means God has a perfect understanding of who we are, what we’ve done, and where we’re going. He sees our flaws and understands the depth of our struggles. So, putting it all together: The verse is saying that God’s love isn't based on our feelings of worthiness or punishment. It’s based on His complete knowledge of us, even with our mistakes. Because we are judged by our own actions and hearts, God’s love is so powerful – it’s greater than anything we could do to deserve His favor. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Turn away from self-condemnation: Don't focus on feeling bad about your mistakes. Instead, ask for God’s forgiveness and move forward. Trust in God’s love: Even when we stumble, knowing that He knows and loves us deeply is comforting. Be open to His guidance: He wants to help us grow closer to Him, even through our struggles. In short, it's a message of unconditional love and forgiveness, recognizing that we are loved by God despite our imperfections. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a different example from the Bible to illustrate this idea?

Definition: Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really beautiful and important verse from 1 John 3:21. It’s a powerful message about faith and trust. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “Beloved” : This is a warm, loving greeting – it speaks to someone who is cherished and valued by God. “If our heart condemn us not” : "Heart" here refers to your thoughts and feelings. "Condemn" means to judge or blame someone harshly. So, this part says that even if you believe something bad will happen to you, if your thoughts and feelings don't lead you to reject God, then you have confidence in Him. “Then” : This is a pause – it’s like saying, “If this happens, here’s what we can do.” “Have we confidence toward God?” : This is the core of the verse. It means that because your thoughts aren't rejecting God, you have faith and trust in Him. You believe He will be good and protect you, even when things seem difficult. In short, the verse says that if you don’t reject God based on what you think might happen, then you have confidence in Him. It emphasizes that our thoughts are not a reflection of who we truly are – they're not a judgment against us. What does this mean for us? It encourages us to: Trust God’s plan: Even when things don’t look perfect, we can trust that He has a purpose for everything. Hold onto hope: It reminds us that even in the face of challenges, God is with us and will protect us. Let go of worry: It encourages us to not let our anxieties about the future distract us from focusing on God's love and care. It’s a message of peace and reassurance – knowing that God loves you even when you don’t deserve it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context or background about the meaning of this passage?

Definition: And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 1 John 3:22. It's a really important message about God’s love and how to live a good life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: "And whatever you ask for, you will receive – because you follow his rules and do things that are pleasing to him." Let's unpack that a little: “Whatever you ask for…” - This is about your desires and needs. It could be anything – physical comfort, happiness, forgiveness, or even spiritual peace. “…you will receive…” - God wants to give you what’s best for you . He doesn't just want you to get what you want , but what he wants for you . “because you keep his commandments…” – This is the key part! “Commandments” means rules, laws, or guidelines that God has given us. These are things like being honest, loving your neighbor, not lying, protecting the vulnerable, and following fair rules. It’s about living a life that honors God. “and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” - This means doing things that show you love and respect Him. It's about aligning your actions with His will – being good, kind, truthful, and respectful. “Pleasing to him” is like making a mark on God’s heart; it shows He loves us! In short, the verse is saying: God wants you to live a life that reflects His love and goodness. When you follow his rules and do good things, he will reward you with happiness and peace – because you are living in accordance with His will. Think of it like this: It’s about aligning your life with the best intentions and values, and God wants to see that reflected back at you. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "commandments" are? Give some examples of things that please God?

Definition: And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 1 John 3:23. It’s a really important message about our relationship with God and each other. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it's saying: “This is his command – that we should believe in Jesus as the Son of God and love everyone just like he loved us.” Let’s unpack that a little bit: "And this is his commandment…" : This means it’s a rule , a guideline, something important for us to follow. It's like a law or a set of instructions. “…That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ…” : “Belief” means trusting in something. “His Son Jesus Christ” refers to Jesus, who is believed by Christians as the son of God and the savior of humanity. So, this is about recognizing and accepting that Jesus is really who he says he is – the divine Son of God. “…and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” : This is the key part! "He gave us commandment" means He instructed us to do something. "Love one another" means to treat each other with kindness, respect, and compassion. It’s about extending that same love and care to everyone we meet – friends, family, strangers, even those who disagree with us. So, the whole verse is saying: We should trust in Jesus as the Son of God, and then we should treat each other with the same love and kindness that Jesus showed us. It’s a call to unity and compassion. In short, it’s a powerful message about our relationship with God and with each other. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context around this passage (like its importance in the Bible)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 John 3:24. It's a really important one about our relationship with God and how to live a good life. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that if you follow God’s rules (your commandments) and live a righteous life, you become part of God and he lives through you. Let's unpack it a little more: “And he that keeps his commandments”: This refers to living in accordance with God’s laws and moral principles. It means following what He says is right and good. Think of it as obeying His rules – honesty, kindness, respect for others, etc. “Dwelleth in him”: This is a bit tricky, but it means you're inhabited by God’s presence and guidance. You are not just observing his laws; you are actually being guided by him. It's like being a part of something larger than yourself. “And he in him”: This is the key part! It means that when you live a righteous life, God’s presence becomes you. He doesn't just exist around you; He actively participates and lives within you. “By the Spirit which he hath given us”: This is about the power to follow God. The Holy Spirit (often referred to as “the Spirit of Christ”) gives us guidance, strength, and wisdom to live a good life. It's like a gift or an enabling force that allows us to do what’s right. So, putting it all together: The verse says that if you follow God’s laws and live a moral life, you become part of God himself. You are no longer just an observer but are part of his plan for your life – he lives through you. Why is this important? It's a powerful message about our relationship with God. It tells us that we don’t need to earn His favor; He has already given us the ability to live righteously, and that's enough for us. In short, it’s a statement of grace – God wants to be involved in our lives and guide us to a life filled with goodness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from John 3? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail? Give you some examples of how to live by God’s commandments?