3 John 1:11

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Dear [friend], do not imitate what is evil, but [only] what is good. The person who does what is good is [a child] of God; the one who does evil has not seen God [spiritually].

Cross References

John 10:27

My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

John 12:26

If any person wants to serve me, he should become my follower; and wherever I am, my servant will be there also. If any person serves me, the Father will honor him.

John 3:20

For every person who practices evil things hates the light [of truth] and does not come to it, for fear of having his deeds exposed [as sinful].

1 Corinthians 11:1

You people should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:16

So, I urge you to imitate my lifestyle.

Ephesians 5:1

So, as dearly loved children, you people should [try to] be like God.

Philippians 3:17

Brothers, you people should join together in imitating me, and take note of those who are following my example.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. [And even though] you suffered much affliction, you welcomed the message with joy [given to you] by the Holy Spirit,

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For you brothers became imitators of the churches of God in Judea, which are in [fellowship with] Christ, for you people also suffered the same things from your own countrymen that they did from the Jews,

2 Timothy 3:10

But you have followed [Note: These words mean “to observe closely, have a keen interest in”] my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,

Hebrews 6:12

We do not want you people to be [spiritually] slack, but to imitate those who will inherit [God’s] promises because of their faith and patience.

1 Peter 3:11

He should turn away from wrong living and do what is good. He should desire peace and do whatever it takes to maintain it.

1 Peter 3:13

And who do you think would [try to] hurt you if you become enthusiastic for doing what is right?

1 John 2:29

If you know that Christ is [truly] righteous [verse 1], then you should also know that everyone who does what is right has been [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God [See 5:18].

1 John 3:10

Here is how the children of God and the children of the devil can be recognized: All those who do not continue to do what is right do not belong to God. Also, the person who does not continue to love his brother [or sister does not belong to God].

1 John 4:1

Loved ones, do not believe [the message of] every spirit [i.e., every person claiming to be a teacher], but test the spirits [i.e., require proof that they and their message are genuine] to see whether they represent God [or not], because many false prophets have begun circulating throughout the world.