1 John 3:17

The Passion Translation

If anyone sees a fellow believer in need and has the means to help him, yet shows no pity and closes his heart against him, how is it even possible that God’s love lives in him?

Cross References

Hebrews 13:16

We will show mercy to the poor and not miss an opportunity to do acts of kindness for others, for these are the true sacrifices that delight God’s heart.

1 John 4:20

Anyone can say, “I love God,” yet have hatred toward another believer. This makes him a phony, because if you don’t love a brother or sister, whom you can see, how can you truly love God, whom you can’t see?

Luke 3:11

John told them, “Give food to the hungry, clothe the poor, and bless the needy.”

Proverbs 19:17

Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord. Don’t worry—you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done.

James 2:15

For example, if a brother or sister in the faith is poorly clothed and hungry

Proverbs 28:9

If you close your heart and refuse to listen to God’s instruction, even your prayer will be despised.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For you have experienced the extravagant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was infinitely rich, he impoverished himself for our sake, so that by his poverty, we become rich beyond measure.

1 John 5:1

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah is God’s spiritual child and has been fathered by God himself. And everyone who loves Father God loves his children as well.

Proverbs 12:10

A good man takes care of the needs of his pets, while even the kindest acts of a wicked man are still cruel.

Proverbs 14:31

Insult your Creator, will you? That’s exactly what you do every time you oppress the powerless! Showing kindness to the poor is equal to honoring your maker.

Proverbs 21:13

If you close your heart to the cries of the poor, then I’ll close my ears when you cry out to me!

James 2:16

and you leave them saying, “Good-bye. I hope you stay warm and have plenty to eat,” but you don’t provide them with a coat or even a cup of soup, what good is your faith?