3 John 1:11

French Jerusalem 1998

Très cher, imite non le mal mais le bien. Qui fait le bien est de Dieu. Qui fait le mal n'a pas vu Dieu.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from 3 John tells us to choose good over evil. It says that those who do good are connected with God, while those who do bad things haven't truly understood or seen God's goodness.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you can pick between doing something nice for your friend or being mean. The verse is like a grown-up saying, 'Choose to be kind because that’s what God likes. If someone isn’t kind, they might not know how wonderful God really is.'

Historical Background

This letter was written by John the Apostle around 95 AD. It was addressed to Gaius, likely a church leader in Asia Minor, and it emphasizes Christian conduct and the importance of supporting good deeds within the community.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse could apply when deciding whether to report an unethical practice at work or stay silent. Choosing to act with integrity would align with following what is good as mentioned in the verse.

Topics

• good and evil
• ethics
• spiritual discernment
• God's character
• moral choices
• community values

Related Verses

• Ephesians 5:1-2
• 1 John 3:7-9
• Matthew 7:20
• Romans 8:4
• Genesis 6:5

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we distinguish between 'good' and 'evil'?

The Bible often defines goodness as actions aligned with God's character, such as love, kindness, honesty, and compassion. Evil is the opposite, involving deceit, harm, and selfishness.

Does this verse imply that all good people are saved?

While doing good is an indication of being 'of God', it does not guarantee salvation without faith in Jesus Christ according to Christian teachings. The verse encourages a lifestyle reflecting one's faith.

Can someone do evil and still claim to know God?

According to the Bible, those who persistently do evil have likely not truly understood or experienced God’s transforming grace in their lives. Their actions contradict their claims of knowing God.

What if someone does good but doesn't believe in God?

While people can act ethically without believing in God, the verse suggests that true understanding and experience of God inspire genuine goodness. However, doing good is universally commendable regardless of belief.