1 John 3:10 – “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, John is drawing a clear dividing line.
He is saying there are two kinds of people in the world: those who belong to God and those who don’t.
And how can you tell the difference? By how they live.
John is not talking about religious labels, church attendance, or words people say.
He is talking about the pattern of a person’s life.
Those who do what is right and love others show that they are God’s children.
Those who do not live rightly and do not love others show that they are not.
This verse is a reminder that being a child of God is not just about belief—it is about behavior.
How you treat people and how you live reveals who you belong to.
Historical Context
John wrote this letter because false teachers were confusing believers.
Some were claiming that it didn’t matter how you lived—you could say you knew God but still live in sin and hate others.
John is cutting through the lies and confusion.
In the culture of John’s time, spiritual claims were everywhere, but there were no clear standards for what a godly life looked like.
John is making it simple: A life marked by righteousness and love shows that a person belongs to God. A life marked by sin and selfishness shows the opposite.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that faith and action cannot be separated.
A true relationship with God will always show itself in how a person lives and how they treat others.
It also reminds us of something many people don’t want to hear today—that not everyone is a child of God by default.
According to John, there are two spiritual families:
The children of God and the children of the devil.
What makes the difference is not human effort but the evidence of God’s work in a person’s life.
Literary Analysis
John uses very straightforward, black-and-white language here.
“This is how we know” points to something clear and visible.
He uses family terms: “children of God” and “children of the devil.”
This kind of language shows the seriousness of the issue—this is about identity, not behavior alone.
The verse is also structured around two key signs of God’s children:
- Doing what is right
- Loving their brother and sister
John will spend the rest of this chapter unpacking what love looks like.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- Matthew 7:16-18 – “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
- 1 John 4:7-8 – “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
- James 2:14-17 – Faith without deeds is dead.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a challenge and a guide.
It reminds you that your faith is not something private or hidden.
It shows up in how you live and how you treat others.
Righteous living and love for others are signs that you belong to God.
This verse also invites you to examine yourself honestly.
Is your life marked by doing what is right?
Is your heart marked by love for others, even when it’s hard?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is not shallow.
He doesn’t just want people to say they love Him—He wants to make them new, loving people.
This verse shows that God’s love is transforming.
It changes how you live and how you treat others.
God’s love doesn’t stop at forgiveness; it works in your life to make you someone who loves others the way He loves you.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect picture of righteousness and love.
He lived a pure, obedient life, and He loved people deeply—even to the point of laying down His life for them (John 15:13).
This verse reflects the very heart of Jesus’ teaching:
“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
If you belong to Jesus, your life will start to look like His—marked by right living and self-giving love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge the way you view being a child of God?
- Are there areas in your life where your actions don’t match your faith?
- How can you grow in loving others, especially when it’s difficult?
- Why do you think John ties righteousness and love together in this verse?
- How can your life clearly show others that you belong to God?