What are the “material possessions” referred to in 1 John 3:17?

Answer

First John 3:17 states, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

This rhetorical question reveals God’s will for Christians who possess “the world’s goods” (ESV) or “enough money to live well” (NLT). They are called to assist others in need. A similar directive is given in 1 Timothy 6:17–19, where Paul advises Timothy to “instruct those who are wealthy in this present world not to be haughty or to set their hope on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” The apostle James, to demonstrate that faith results in action, presents this scenario: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:15-16). The same principle of generosity with material possessions is evident in the Old Testament teachings to the Israelites (see Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 19:9-10, 25:10; Proverbs 19:10).

To possess material wealth is to have a certain amount of riches, property, and assets. In this context, the Christian with material possessions is not lacking but has plenty to offer to someone in need. Interestingly, the rhetorical question in 1 John 3:17 follows John’s statement that “we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” «Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. », (1 John 3:16). Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to give, using the unselfishness of Christ as an analogy “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might be rich.”, (2 Corinthians 8:9), and John compares Christian love to Christ’s sacrifice, emphasizing generosity. A selfish Christian is not living out the gospel. Material possessions are meant to honor God and serve others.

Furthermore, Scripture provides examples of Christians who gave out of their poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5), demonstrating that the call for generosity is not exclusive to wealthy Christians alone. As John the Baptist told his listeners, “Whoever has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and whoever has food should do the same” “He answered and said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.'”, (Luke 3:11). The illustration here is not of reluctant giving, but giving that stems from genuine love for others in Christ “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”, (see 2 Corinthians 9:7).

Having correct beliefs and doctrines is crucial, along with a proper grasp of the gospel. However, beliefs must translate into right actions, including how we utilize material possessions.