Today's Verse: 1 John 3:17

Wednesday, May 17, 1939

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
— 1 John 3:17
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

I love the Bible because it is honest about life with all the gritty dirt of real everyday living. In the previous verse to our verse for today, John told his churches that they should be willing to lay down their lives for each other. That's pretty good in theory, especially when you don't think you will ever have to go to such extremes. I love John making that kind of truth practical to daily life. This verse makes applying that principle a daily reality: Is somebody in your faith circle in need? Then help them; that's what laying down your life is all about!

My Prayer...

Use me, holy and righteous Father, to be your hands and heart in helping those around me. Give me the generosity and the patience it takes to be a blessing to those in need who are a part of my church family and those who have not yet come to know Jesus as Lord who are my neighbors. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

29 Related Resources by Heartlight

God Wants Us to Be Compassionate & Generous
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"But whoever has the world’s goods (adequate resources), and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in...."
Share the love
Illustration of 1 John 3:17
Inspirational illustration of 1 John 3:17 -- If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
Love Is Proved Through Our Generous Love
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. Now, suppose a..."
What Real Love Is!
Devo: Together in Christ
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has....."
See All 29 Related Resources about 1 John 3:17

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 3:17 — If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, May 17, 1939

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Doubt and Divided Loyalty Hinders Prayer'
"But when you [pray and] ask [God], be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Power over Our Misdeeds' (Ro. 8:13)
"For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Clash of Wills' (Jn. 18:10-11)
"[After Jesus identified himself to the soldiers and guards who came to arrest him,] Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus,..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Mark 14:14
"Jerusalem at the time of the passover was one great inn; each householder had invited his own friends, but no one had invited the Saviour, and he had...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse