Today's Verse: 1 John 3:17

Tuesday, May 17, 1955

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
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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.

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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?
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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 Tuesday, May 17, 1955

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Son of God with Power'
"Dear Friend, There are many voices that call out to you and seek to win your heart. There are many distractions in your busy and high-tech culture..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Father Knows Our Hearts' (Ro. 8:27)
"And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Into the Hills' (Jn. 6:3-4)
"Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.)"
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Your Sacrifice' (Ps. 50:14)
"Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High."

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.

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