1Jn 3:16-3:24 - We Obey in Active Love

Calvin

3:16: Christ's sacrifice is given as the mark toward which our love should strive. Our love is shown true when our self-love is transferred to others, such that each of us seeks the good of the others. While we cannot attain to Christ's status in love, we are to follow in His paths, and to find our desire to be the devoting of our life and death to God and neighbor. To boast of faith without love is hollow and false. Our death can not have the same efficacious qualities as did Christ's death. Nevertheless, our life should be following after His example.
3:17: If we are not willing to even give of our possessions to help another, how then will we lay claim to a willingness to give our very life? Certainly, then, this unwillingness shows an absence of Christ's love in our bosom. So the rule: true love will take advantage of every opportunity to show itself; we are rather bound to do whatever our means allow in the aid of our brethren, and their every need should be seen to by the body of Christ - as opportunities provided for us to do our good works. But these works are worthless where compassion doesn't accompany them. God tries our love for Him in asking us to love those He loves as He loves. (Ps 16:2-3 - Our goodness must come from the Lord, and will show itself to all His saints who are present, for they are cause for His delight.)
3:18: We cannot simply declare our love, it must show itself in actions.
3:19: While love will show to us that we are born of Truth, that God's truth dwells within us; it is not a foundation for assurance to know we love. That assurance can only rest on faith in Christ. Faith cannot exist in a vacuum - devoid of good conscience and good fruit. Thus, our active love serves to remind and verify to us that our confession is real; since its absence would be a sure sign of falsehood in us. It serves as a necessary validation to us that our heart does not deceive us.
3:20: Where our conscience convicts us, we can be sure our guilt is being judged of God as well, for what our heart sees partially, God sees in detail; and what our heart misses completely, God is still aware of. In other words, even were our heart quiet within us, still there would be room for guilt in God's eyes, so when the heart is already convicting, guilt can be assured. (1Co 4:4 - Paul recognizes that just because he isn't aware of any sin doesn't ensure that there isn't any.) If our own conscience doesn't approve of us, we stand no chance of holding up under God's judgement - who sees so much more clearly. Those who fool themselves may hide from their own conscience, but will still not be hid from God. A peaceful heart can only come to those who abide in the light when it is purified by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
3:21: A reprobate's heart no longer condemns him, either, but that does not lead to the assurance before God that John mentions. The assurance he speaks of comes of knowing that we know what is right and honest - and that we have fallen short of that knowledge - but that faith has given us legs to stand on, as it were. (Pr 16:2 - man thinks he's ok, but God looks to his motives. Eph 3:12 - Faith in Christ gives us confidence in coming before God's throne. Ro 5:1 - for faith justifies, bringing peace between God and ourselves.) This peacefulness of heart does not imply a total lack of conviction. Rather, in the righteous, the convictions of the heart lead to confession, repentance, and absolution as the heart cries out to the God of our faith. Thus, the very concerns of our heart tend rather to confirm our desire for righteousness, and show our motives to be pleasing to God.
3:22: Only when our heart assures us of our salvation can we expect our prayers to be heard. Where the conscience condemns us - where there is hypocrisy - the heavens are sealed against us. A good conscience is not a sufficient cause to trust our access (for the reprobate may indeed be unaccused by his conscience), our access stands or fails on our faith in Christ, and solely upon that faith. Faith must lead to true worship, which will show in our keeping of His commandments. The cause must be understood in faith, and the effect in our obedience.
3:23: When we fail to love each other, we fail to love God, and thereby close the doors of heaven against ourselves. God only gives the right of conversation with Him to His own children; those He has adopted. As love is a sure sign of our adoption, so a lack of it is a sure sign of our non-adoption. Thus, love is not a pre-condition for prayer, but rather a sign to us that the true precondition of adoption is there. Faith and love are together commanded of us. Therein lie the beginning and the end of a righteous life - to have faith in God, to love Him above all else, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our faith [belief] must be in Jesus as He is declared in the Gospel, and in no other. This requires teaching, that we may know Him aright. (Ro 10:14 - Preaching fills the office of ensuring we hear the true message.)
3:24: Our mutual love is the sign of our communion with God, not the cause. "God does not abide in us, except His Spirit dwells in us. But wherever the Spirit is, He necessarily manifests His power and efficiency." The Spirit's presence in us will bring the death of our flesh, and newness of life. Where it can be seen that the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, we can be certain of our adoption. Whatever good there is coming from us, it's by His grace alone.

Matthew Henry

3:16-3:19: God loved us so much that He took life upon Himself to be able to lay it down for us. Whom He so loved, we - if we love Him - cannot help but love as well. For our part, love must burn in us to the point that we, too, are willing to die for the salvation of another, or for the need of His Church. (Phil 2:17 - it may be through fervency of service. Ro 16:4 - or to protect those more able to do His work.) Our love must be compassionate and generous. Whom God has blessed with the things of this world should use these to God's purposes and bless others thereby. We cannot satisfy ourselves with vocal condolences and think our love complete. Any words of ours must be accompanied by action. Our active love gives us hope, assuring us of our right standing with God, so that we may have the confidence to approach Him with our appeals.
3:20-3:22: Our heart, here, is our conscience - acting on God's behalf in bringing to light the depths of our condition. What the heart judges improper, moreso God who is greater. (Pr 20:27 - God gives us conscience to search ourselves. 1Pe 3:21 - we pray to God in light of Christ's resurrection, for a good conscience). What our heart discerns against us, certainly God - who sees more clearly - also discerns. (1Co 4:4 - our conscience is not the final arbiter of our guilt or justification, but rather God.) What the heart approves, is also approved of God. Both of these conditions presume a sound heart - operating in its judging role in the fashion God intended; neither over nor understating the situation, but declaring as God reveals. Where we stand assured that we are walking as He has commanded, we can be equally assured that our prayers accord with His will and His glory, and will therefor be heard and answered gladly in heaven. Where we know ourselves disobedient to Him, we ought not to expect a hearing. (Ps 66:18 - If we recognize wickedness in ourselves, God isn't going to be listening to us. Pr 28:9 - When we depart from His commandments, our prayers become vile to Him.)
3:23-3:24: The summary of God's commandments for us are faith in Christ, and love to each other and to Him. Faith requires that we know and understand the person and the office of Jesus; Son of God, Savior of our soul (Jn 6:40 - belief leads to life), that we approve of His judgements in our case, that we acquiesce to Him as our Redeemer, that we trust Him to do all that is His to do for us. (Ps 9:10 - we who know Him will trust Him, for He doesn't forsake the seeker. 2Ti 1:12 - we know He is able to guard to the end.) This trust must precede effective prayer, for our prayers can only go to the Father through Jesus (Eph 1:6 - it is through Jesus that God blesses us). Where He declares us righteous, so we are to the Father; where He seeks our blessings, so we will be blessed; where He intercedes, there will be the answer. Love is also a prerequisite to effective prayer. As such, we must forgive those who offend us (Mt 6:14 - when we forgive, the Father will forgive), and seek to be reconciled with those we offend (Mt 5:23-24 - this must precede our presence at His altar). When we have right relation to God, and union with Him through His Son, and commune with Him in our inward conversations we dwell in God. In turn, God uses His Word, our faith in Him, and the offices of the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. When the spirit of faith in God and love to God are evident in us, it is evident that we belong to God.

Adam Clarke

3:16: There could be no higher proof of Christ's love for us than that He was willing to die for us. (Jn 3:16 - Because of God's great love for us, He sent His Son). Where it appears that the loss of our own life would bring others to God, we ought to be willing to do so.
3:17: If we won't even feed the hungry, how could we possibly claim we'd be willing to die for them? Shutting them out of our hearts is shutting Christ out. This world's good refers to the means of living. (Mk 12:44 - the widow's mite was all she had to live on. Lk 15:12 - the prodigal son seeks his share to live on. Lk 15:30 - and used up all of his father's means. Lk 21:4 - Same as Mk 12:44). "Hard-heartedness and God's love never meet together, much less can they be associated."
3:18: We cannot simply agree that the law of love is good and right and true; in merely proclaiming our love and compassion; but must be moved to action. Love without action dies in the speaking.
3:19: One who loves feels and knows that he does so. He cannot force himself to feel that he loves what he does not. Thus, in this case our feelings confirm to us the truth of our love. Where this love is directed towards God, the lover will be diligent to show the fruits of love, thereby offering external proofs that others may know as well.
3:20: If we are aware of faking the feeling, our own hearts will condemn us, and moreso God who sees more clearly the twisted ways of such a heart.
3:21: On the other hand, if we are aware of sincerity of feeling, then we can be confident in calling out to God with boldness - seeking grace and mercy in our need.
3:22: Under these conditions, God will assuredly answer, for we have thereby shown obedience to His commands.
3:23: Faith is commanded as the only means by which we can truly be justified, redeemed of our guilt, and restored to His favor. This restoration is, in turn, the only means by which our hearts can be renewed and made capable of loving God and man.
3:24: Where the Holy Spirit has taken up abode, the confirmation of His presence will not be only in the signs of fruitfulness, but also by the Spirit's own inward testimony.

Barnes

3:16: Love itself - the full nature of its power - is demonstrated in its epitome in the sacrifice of Jesus. (Jn 3:16 - God - out of His perfect love - gave His only Son to die in our place. Jn 15:13 - there is no greater love.) Jesus is, of course, the one who 'laid down His life for us.' If circumstances are such that losing our life would further the good of the Church we ought to do so. Christ did, and we ought to be following His example. There's a long history of prophets, apostles, and martyrs who did so. The better part of man testifies that this is the noble thing to do, when it will benefit others. The rule - though not stated - appears to be that where our exposure to death would bring greater good than guarding our life, we ought so to expose ourselves. The early church understood this to the degree that their willingness to die for each other was a matter of others' testimony of them. This doesn't mean we ought to be reckless or imprudent, but willing when it is right. We ought to love God's Church enough to be willing to die for it. We ought to love our brothers in Christ enough to risk our lives to save them from danger by disease, disaster, or battle. We ought to love truth enough to die rather than lie. We ought to love the Gospel enough to risk all in bringing the message to the remote corners of creation. In sum, we ought to be devoted to the work of God's Church - expending our all in furthering God's kingdom and will.
3:17: The world's goods are only of use while in the world. If we won't part with those to help another, how then our lives? Where then the evidence of God in us? We ought to feel as a matter of course, the desire to help one who needs food, clothing, shelter, or any other such that we can provide. The 'bowels' - the region of the heart and chest - are seen as the seat of mercy in us, because that's generally where the feeling is felt. (Isa 16:11 - The heart feels grief). How can we claim to love God if we don't love those who are made in His image? (Jas 2:14-16 - words without action do nothing for the need. Mt 25:45 - in serving others, we serve Christ, Gal 6:10 - and we ought to take advantage of every opportunity to do so).
3:18: We cannot be satisfied with words of love (1Pe 1:22 - our love must be fervent and sincerely heart-felt), but must act - even act without words (Mt 6:3 - we are not to brag of our well-doing.)
3:19: By such means, we persuade our hearts and minds of the surety of our salvation. In spite of our past, and the guilt that comes with it, we can be assured that in the present we are children of God, and not condemned. We don't conceal the truth of our estate from ourselves, but we balance it with the evidence of God's work in us, and know that the end is well for us.
3:20: Where our hearts speak to us of past sins, Christ's redemption, and our present conformity to His will assure and give us peace. But, where our hearts point to our harboring a present purpose toward sinning, there can be no such peace. We cannot hope to pacify ourselves by pretending to hide our guilt from God, or that He would be more lenient than ourselves in the matter. He hates sin far more than we. The only assurance for the present or the future lies in living in a way that pleases God, and which our renewed hearts approve.
3:21: If we are conscious of no indulging of sin, are aware of no duty left undone, of no divine command not submitted to cheerfully, then our conscience gives us evidence of our right-standing with God, and thereby we may be bold to approach Him. That boldness is based on His gracious acceptance of us, not on our deserving acceptance. That we have this confidence, is because our lives reflect the works of His grace in us; not because we have done something to cause Him to look favorably on ourselves. (Ac 24:16 - we strive to keep our conscience clear.)
3:22: The assurance of receiving what we ask for comes from knowing we are His children, are working according to His will, and therefor are asking only what is proper and also according to His will. (Mt 7:7 - what is asked for will be given. Mk 11:24 - the prayer of belief will be granted. Lk 11:9 - parallel to Mt 7:7. Lk 18:1-8 - Prayer must be persistent. Jn 14:13 - Christ will do all that is asked, to the glory of the Father. Jn 15:7 - IF we abide in Him, and He and His word in us.) The full council of Scripture adds: that we must ask properly (Jas 4:3 - the proper prayer is not for our own pleasures), and that we ask only what is consistent with God, and His best for us. The fact that we keep His commandments does nothing to commend us to Him, but assures us of our status as His children, and that we are walking in His will. If we are doing what is pleasing in His sight, then our prayers will be in accord with His will.
3:23: The foundational commandment is belief in Christ (Mk 16:16 - belief leads to salvation, disbelief to condemnation. Jn 16:1 - for His words keep us from stumbling. Ac 16:31 - our belief can even save our household!), followed on by love for each other (Jn 13:35 - by which we are known to follow Him.)
3:24: (Jn 14:23 - by keeping His commandments, we show our love for Him.) This keeping of His commandments furnishes another proof to us that we are His, for He has promised to take up residence in those who do so (Jn 14:23). Since we can only know with certainty that the Holy Spirit abides in us by the evidence provided in our actions, these proofs are noted by John to assure us. (Gal 5:22-23 - the fruits of the Spirit. Ro 8:9 - To not have the Spirit is to not belong to Christ. Ro 8:14 - for all God's children are led by His Spirit, Ro 8:16 - which Spirit gives witness to us that we are God's children.)

Wycliffe

3:16-3:18: Self-sacrifice is required, although we may not be among those called upon to die. Since the call to death is unlikely, there is a more common test in our willingness to provide for the needs of others.
3:19: Our love for others persuades our hearts that it needn't condemn us.
3:20-3:21: Our hearts may tend toward extreme strictness or extreme leniency toward our true estate. In appealing to God, who is greater, we appeal for the truth to ensure no self-deception. Freedom of condemnation doesn't imply perfection, but that nothing lies unconfessed.
3:22-3:24: Where we are keeping His commandments, and doing His will, our prayers are heard. The commandments we keep are to believe and love. (Jn 6:29 - to believe in Christ is the work assigned to us.) To abide in Christ is to keep His commandments, to which the Holy Spirit will witness to us.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

3:16: Christ's love for us shows what our love for each other should be like. He shows us what love itself is. Where our life given would bring God glory, further the Church, or bring another to salvation, we ought to be ready to do so. If not literally, we certainly ought to do so by giving our time, prayers, and goods.
3:17: If our lives are not too much to give, than certainly our possessions ought not to be. Seeing here, implies deliberate contemplation, not casually glancing. Where such contemplation doesn't lead to action, it is impossible that God resides.
3:18: John's great and oft-repeated message is to love one another, because this was the Lord's commandment, and the foremost at that. That love must be active, and not mere lip-service.
3:19: This active love assures us that we are truly disciples of Jesus, reborn of God (Jas 1:18 - it was God's will that brought us into the new birth.) By such proofs is our heart persuaded to cease its condemnations of us. Assurance before our omniscient God is the privilege of the believer.
3:20: The verse may be taken as consolation: our appeal being to God to judge truthfully - knowing better than our own hearts (Jn 21:17 - Peter - convicted by his heart - appeals to the more complete knowledge of God. 1Co 4:3-4 - self-examination - no matter how clean it determine us to be - doesn't justify us, only the judgement of God can do so.) Alternatively, it can point to the fact that where even our own heart convicts us, God's conviction is more certain. Where there is hypocrisy - actions unmatched to words - even our limited conscience notices, moreso limitless God. However, the appeal to God's greater knowledge to convince our heart to quiet itself is more in keeping with the context. The heart sees only the convicting incident. God sees further - knowing our desire, and our weakness (Ps 103:13-14 - He is like a compassionate father, realizing that we are weak, and careful not to break us.) This is assurance. Confidence is a greater understanding, and comes of a heart that knows of no further convictions to concern itself with.
3:21: Having persuaded our hearts that we have sincere understanding of the truth of our estate, we are brought to confidence in God, and His answer to our prayers. The sincere understanding is required, for a heart might be at peace with our fallen state, from lack of conscience, or out of ignorance of the truth.
3:22: The believer will ask what is in accord with God's will, or will submit their desire to His will such that His will may prevail. (Mt 7:8 - this is the Lord's promise to His followers.) Since our faith-works are the fruit and evidence of the Holy Spirit within, they are pleasing to God, and allow Him to look favorably upon our prayers. (Ps 34:15 - God hears the righteous, Ps 66:18 - but will not hear the wicked. Ps 145:18-19 - He is near those who call upon Him in truth and reverence, to save them. Ro 8:26 - the Holy Spirit, Himself prays for us - ensuring that we are in accord with God.)
3:23: Note that faith and love are but one commandment, inseparable one from the other. Belief is once for all, a continual state - and looks to all that Christ represents - His person, office, and atonement for us.
3:24: The believer and Christ each dwell in the other. This is the core point of the letter. The Holy Spirit ministering within us to our spirit confirms this indwelling to us.

New Thoughts

I am thankful that where the heart is an unstable witness, we have a greater witness. I am thankful that in the midst of these seemingly impossible tests, there is assurance offered. I have so needed the reminder that what my heart has convicted me of has been brought to light already; has been given over and repented of; has been forgiven and forgotten by God, leaving me free to go on - cleansed and renewed. Surely, God's greater understanding moves both to assure us and to caution us: assurance where our hearts have been open and earnest in their judgement of us, caution against allowing our judgement to be clouded by our sins. God, keep our vision clear. Especially as we look at ourselves. You've called upon us to judge ourselves so that in the time of Your judgement, we can come before you unashamed. This is a tall order, and I thank You that You provide the means for us to comply. I thank You that You take up Your dwelling in us, to provide us with sure guidance and to protect us from error. Jesus, in these perilous moments, when the pressure is so great, and the path ahead so unclear, when all the guideposts seem to be missing, or pointing in too many different directions; in these moments like in no other, I call upon You as my brother and my Lord - as my Redeemer and Savior - to guide me and my family to safety. I pray that You would move quickly to correct any error in our ways. I pray that You would bring a unity of vision and direction to us, that You would assure each of us both that we ourselves are still in Your hands, and that the other is under Your guidance. Lord, if we must differ in our understanding of Your desires and ways, if we are - in our difference - still both in accord with Your will, then I beg of You, Jesus, that You would bring assurance - that You would bring persuasion to our hearts. Let our love - Your love - shine from us as never before. Let us understand fully the ways of Your love - not a love that simply seeks the others pleasure, but a love that seeks what is truly best for them. Help us in our unbelief to truly consider what we pray - whether it truly accords with Your will, whether we've truly submitted to Your will - and if it be so, to know unshakably that Your answer is assured.