Today's Verse: 1 John 3:17

Saturday, May 17, 1947

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 Saturday, May 17, 1947

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 45:2
"The entire person of Jesus is but as one gem, and his life is all along but one impression of the seal. He is altogether complete; not only in his..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Foretold' (Ac. 28:25)
"And after [the Jewish leaders in Rome] had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: "The Holy Spirit was right when he...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Good Spiritual Health' (3)
"Dear friend, I know that you are spiritually well. I pray that you’re doing well in every other way and that you’re healthy. I was very happy when..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Pedigree or Faith?' (Jn. 8:37-40)
"[Continuing his reply to the Jews, Jesus said,] "Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because..."

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