3:141 John 3:14

Love for fellow believers is the proof that a person has moved out of spiritual death into spiritual life, while one who does not love remains in death.RH Apr 3, 1900+2 The love meant is not mere words but action and truth shown in compassion and practical help to one in need.RH Apr 3, 1900+2 Its measure is self-sacrificing love that is willing even to lay down life and that shares this world's goods instead of shutting up compassion from a brother in need.RH Apr 3, 1900+2 Hatred of a brother is counted as murder, and no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.RH Apr 3, 1900+2 This passing from death to life is the new birth in which the heart is renewed by divine grace and brought into harmony with God under His law, giving peace and assurance of belonging to the truth before God.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+4

Love for fellow believers is the evidence that a person has passed from death to life, while the one who does not love a brother or sister remains in death.RH Apr 3, 1900+4 This love is more than words, leading to compassion and practical help for one in need and following the example of laying down life for others, whereas hatred of a brother is murder and a murderer does not have eternal life abiding in him.RH Apr 3, 1900+3 It is a decided declaration about Christian brotherhood and the relation of believers to one another.Ms 13, 1886, par. 1

The verse belongs to instruction that manifests the children of God and the children of the devil, for whoever does not do righteousness and does not love his brother is not of God.Ms 31, 1903, par. 4–5+3 It belongs to the message heard from the beginning that we should love one another, which is the old commandment and the holy law of loving God and neighbor.Ms 31, 1903, par. 4–5+3 It stands in contrast to Cain, who was of the wicked one and slew his brother because his own works were evil and his brother's righteous, and in contrast to the hatred of the world.Ms 31, 1903, par. 4–5+2 That love does not compromise with sin but proceeds from a heart loving God supremely and neighbor as self, revealed in words and deeds, losing sight of self for Jesus with meekness and gentleness, free from jealousy cruel as death.Ms 41, 1890, par. 20–24

The verse belongs to the message about the love of God that shows on whose side a person stands, whether the side of the adversary or the side of Christ who kept His Father's commandments.Lt 11, 1900, par. 27 It is a message for those keeping their first Sabbath and for candidates going forward to baptism.Lt 11, 1900, par. 27 The chapter containing it calls believers to walk in the light and not remain cold or backslidden, with earnest seeking of the Lord, confession, changed life, and spiritual renewal.Ms 39, 1892, par. 57–60 It urges truly converted believers to show unity rather than division.4MR 297.1

The love that proves a passing from death to life is not love in word or in tongue only but in deed and in truth, shown in compassion and practical help to one in need rather than mere profession or loving words.Lt 84, 1894, par. 12–15+4 It is real and active, leading to compassionate care for someone in need and to willingness to give of oneself for others, in opposition to dissension and strife that leave believers spiritually weak.RH Apr 3, 1900+2 Those who do not love remain in death, while hatred and cherished hostility with lack of compassion reveal a life still marked by spiritual death.Lt 84, 1894, par. 12–15+1

Its measure is that God laid down His life, so believers ought to lay down their lives for the brethren.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+4 That same self-giving love is to open compassion toward a brother in need instead of shutting it up, giving from this world's goods and caring for others rather than wounding them, which shows the love of God dwells within.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+3 Christ laying down His life for people is the example that calls believers to give themselves for one another.RH Apr 3, 1900+1

The love meant does not compromise with sin but proceeds from a heart loving God supremely and neighbor as self, revealed in words and deeds and in works bearing evidence of loving a brother as Christ loved.Ms 41, 1890, par. 20–24 It does not study what is agreeable, respectable, or profitable for selfish interests, pleasure, convenience, or personal advantage, but loses sight of self for Jesus, with meekness and gentleness, free from Cain-like jealousy cruel as death.Ms 41, 1890, par. 20–24

Love to the brethren is how love to God is expressed in life and character in treatment of fellow men.Ms 88, 1893, par. 35–37 It expresses the two great precepts of the law, love to the Lord God with all the heart and love to neighbor as self, upon which hang all the law and the prophets.Ms 88, 1893, par. 35–37 This love comes from being joined to Christ and sharing the divine nature, requires truth in the heart, and is known by abiding in God through the Spirit He has given, with a faith that works by love and purifies the soul from selfishness, hardness of heart, moral defilement, and spiritual pride.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+1

To have passed from death unto life is to experience the new birth in which the heart is renewed by divine grace and brought into harmony with God by being brought into subjection to His law.4SP 298.1+1 The old life of alienation from God has ended, and the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun, in which the righteousness of the law is fulfilled.4SP 298.1+1

The change is from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty, from a life of alienation from God to a life of reconciliation, of faith and love.4SP 298.1+1 Love for God and for others belongs to this reconciled life in which the heart is in harmony with God and His law.4SP 298.1+1

The change is a real conversion in which a person dies to self and fastens the heart and affections upon God, who is all light and power.11MR 372.3+1 It is gained through wise and unconditional surrender to God in secret prayer, filling the life with goodness, love and truth and making religion effective in influence and in personal deeds.11MR 372.3+1 Before knowing Christ the conversation is upon dress and what to eat and drink and wear, and upon finding fault with one another, but after knowing Him it turns to heaven and heavenly things, bringing peace and light.Ms 9, 1886, par. 5–8

Assurance of having moved from death to life comes only where repentance works reformation.SC 59.1+1 The proof is restoring the pledge, giving back what was robbed, confessing sins, and loving God and fellow men.SC 59.1+1 Love for others joined with confession and restitution and making right what one has done wrong is the evidence that repentance is genuine and the change has taken place.SC 59.1+1

Passing from death to life is the beginning of redemption known here through personal experience as a divine reality.SC 112.1+1 Finite minds cannot comprehend the work of redemption, for its mystery exceeds human knowledge, yet the one who passes from death to life knows it is divine.MYP 158.2 Its results reach through the eternal ages, enabling a person to testify from personal experience that God is true and that Jesus is a divine Saviour.SC 112.1+1

This word belongs to the testimony of law and gospel bound together in a perfect whole that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world, and it gives light and understanding to every contrite heart opened to receive it.SPBC 152.2–3+1 It does not produce mere nominal faith or legal religion or a mere theory of truth, but a living faith that appropriates the richest gifts of God and pleads for the gift in order to give to others.SPBC 152.2–3+1 Having this love for the brethren gives peace and faith in looking back on the Christian life as evidence of spiritual life.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+2 It proves belonging to the truth and gives assurance of heart before God.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+2

When the heart does not condemn, there is confidence toward God and receiving whatever is asked because His commandments are kept and things pleasing in His sight are done.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+2 That keeping centers in believing on the name of Jesus Christ and loving one another.Ms 89, 1898, par. 9–11+2 Walking in the light as He is in the light gives fellowship one with another and cleansing from all sin by the blood of Jesus Christ.Ms 108, 1899, par. 22–25 He that loves his brother abides in the light with no occasion of stumbling, unto full joy.Ms 108, 1899, par. 22–25

The evidence appears in good works as the indispensable fruit of faith, for true faith produces this love and leads to understanding that God Himself works upon each human mind, so each believer is His worker and need not step exactly in another's footprints.11MR 372.3+1 It is the testimony of personal piety gained through wise and unconditional surrender to God in secret prayer; it fills the life with goodness, love and truth, turns conversation toward heaven and the coming Saviour and heavenly things, and makes religion effective in its influence and in personal deeds.11MR 372.3+2 Before knowing Christ the conversation is upon dress and what to eat and drink and wear and upon finding fault with one another, but the real change to having died to self and fastened the heart and affections upon God is shown in changed speech and action bringing peace and light.Ms 105, 1908, par. 7+1 Skin color does not affect salvation; words and conduct show whether the truth has borne good fruit in the life.Ms 105, 1908, par. 7 Love for the brethren as proof of passing from death to life requires manliness and firmness in Christian character as steadfast Christlike conduct and not cheap profession, because a cheap Christian character does more harm than worldliness by misleading others while professing to represent Christ.Lt 2, 1895, par. 1–4

Hatred of a brother is murder, and no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.RH Apr 3, 1900+4 Failure to love a brother or sister leaves a person abiding in death rather than having passed from death to life.RH Apr 3, 1900+4 Such hatred belongs to spiritual darkness and stands opposed to compassionate help for one in need and to laying down life for others after the example of Christ laying down His life.RH Apr 3, 1900+4

Hatred and lack of compassion reveal a life still marked by spiritual death.Lt 84, 1894, par. 12–15+1 Cherished hostility is incompatible with life in Christ, and lasting resentment toward a brother contradicts conversion and must give way to love.Ms 51, 1894, par. 8–11+1 Love that evidences acceptance in Christ and passing from death to life is shown in compassion and practical care, not in words or profession only.Lt 84, 1894, par. 12–15+1 Such love comes from being joined to Christ and sharing the divine nature.Ms 51, 1894, par. 8–11

Rejecting divine love by living for oneself and withholding mercy from others is rejecting life itself.ST Jul 1, 1908 God is love and love is life, so the one who chooses earthly things over spiritual life will perish.ST Jul 1, 1908 Love for others is the evidence of having passed from death to life.ST Jul 1, 1908

Loss of love for Christ and for the brethren leaves the church under death.Lt 31, 1903, par. 9–10 Lack of love is the seal of death to the spirituality of the church and causes a dearth of spirituality, shown especially in evil speaking among God's people.Lt 31, 1903, par. 9–10 That evil speaking must be repented of without rest until the work is completed, forsaken, and no longer allowed to exist.Lt 31, 1903, par. 9–10 The evil must be corrected by uncompromising dealing with evil speaking and with satanic accusing of others from sinful imaginations, yet with kindness and courtesy and without losing love for brethren and sisters, praying for crucifixion of self so that the vital breath of the Christ-life is in the soul.Lt 31, 1903, par. 9–10

For those in positions of holy trust, the lack of brotherly love that leaves one in death is shown in grasping all for self.Ms 108, 1899, par. 1 It withholds just and righteous dues from those doing missionary work in hard fields, and takes means from the treasury for self while refusing to relieve the necessities of those doing a severe and trying work.Ms 108, 1899, par. 1 Doing such things makes the heart become like flint.Ms 108, 1899, par. 1 Honoring God in such trust requires cherishing tenderness and showing confidence in brethren.Ms 108, 1899, par. 1

Passing from death to life is proved by loving others through practical generosity, willingly sharing the good things given by God with self-denial and self-sacrifice to advance His work and relieve human suffering, doing good to all whenever opportunity offers.RH May 15, 1900+1 Faithful stewardship reveals this change of heart, for giving the heart to God leads to devoting possessions, abilities and energy to His service, while withholding His gifts does not glorify Him.RH May 15, 1900+1 The most substantial evidence in gospel work is willingness to take the part assigned by God as faithful stewards of grace by imparting the spiritual and temporal gifts He has bestowed, and this lays up imperishable treasure in heaven.Ms 98, 1899, par. 11–12

This love is shown by tenderness, sanctified care, cherishing tenderness and confidence in fellow workers, honoring God by showing confidence in brethren.Ms 108, 1899, par. 1+1 It refuses to treat different gifts and forms of gospel service as inferior, but works together toward unity and the growth of the church.RH Mar 27, 1900 For those in holy trust it forbids grasping all for self, withholding just and righteous dues from those doing missionary work in hard fields, and taking means from the treasury for self while refusing to relieve the necessities of those doing a severe and trying work, for doing such things makes the heart become like flint and proves the lack of brotherly love that leaves one in death.Ms 108, 1899, par. 1 Little love in the heart for brethren is a defect to be overcome, so love must be expressive and exercised toward brethren, enclosing oneself in their affections so that jealousy is discouraged.7MR 395.2–3 It forbids heaviness, mistrust and lack of confidence toward brethren, and getting victory over these sweeps away a great barrier and creates a fragrant atmosphere.7MR 395.2–3

Every person who has moved from death to life has been converted, and that change places on each one, not only on the minister, the expectation to work for Christ.Ms 101, 1898, par. 3+1 Earnest, hearty cooperation was paid for by His own life, and He expects active labor as faithful missionaries from all who have received life, so that failure to do this work is being untrue to trust and disappointing the Saviour.6MR 199.1–3 That love means becoming agents for Christ, giving all powers and every part and property of human nature to God as bought by sacrifice, drawing with Christ in earnest zeal to save a perishing world, and reproducing His character, aims and purposes.Ms 101, 1898, par. 3 The love of Christ abiding in the heart leads to self-denial, self-sacrifice and continual service to win souls, with inexpressible tenderness, compassion and solicitude for souls.Ms 101, 1898, par. 3 One who wears His yoke prays as He prayed with earnest longing for the salvation of perishing souls and weeps over souls ready to die.Ms 101, 1898, par. 3

The verse is instruction to be studied by youth, by students in schools and sanitariums, and by workers in printing offices, and to be heeded, believed and practiced by instructors and those in charge of publishing houses.Ms 31, 1903, par. 9 It holds before youth the possibility of becoming sons and daughters of God and walking uprightly in a crooked and perverse generation, showing the contrast between the principles of Christ and the principles of Satan.Ms 31, 1903, par. 9 It calls teachers to learn meekness and lowliness from Christ, which makes His yoke easy to bear and His burden easy to carry, to be daily witnesses by a life showing the power of grace and moment-by-moment keeping power in faithful service done as a pleasure and not as a task.Ms 31, 1903, par. 9 They are to keep hereditary and cultivated tendencies under control while character is daily refined, sanctified and purified, to place sacred fire in their censers and use no common fire, and to speak no harsh, passionate, rash, ill-advised word that could stir resistance and ruin a soul, but to speak with courtesy and respect that leads youth to do the same.Ms 31, 1903, par. 9

The change from death to life comes through transforming grace, and every worker who has received it will reveal the deep moving of the Spirit upon the heart.TSSW 26.1 Those who pretend to guide souls to holiness while marked by pleasure-loving, pride and love of display have not made this change; their life denies their profession, their influence offends God, their hearts are filled with rubbish with no room for ennobling truth, and they need thorough conversion to refine and cleanse the soul temple so Christ rather than Satan abides within.TSSW 26.1 A heart to love the people of God shows a person has passed from death unto life, given when a person sees consistency in the truth, and the next work is to identify with God's people by taking up the cross.Lt 2, 1859, par. 9 A parent who blocks his children from that step stands in his own light and in the way of their salvation and keeps God from coming into the dwelling to set things in order.Lt 2, 1859, par. 9 True conversion proved by love for the brethren belongs to the pure and contrite whose fully consecrated heart has become one with the heart of Christ, who love one another because united in the same parent stock, and the loftiest distinction in the kingdom is reserved for those with this consecrated, loving heart.Lt 29, 1898, par. 17–19