1 John 3:11

This is the message. See on ch. 1:5, where the writer enunciates his first message, which deals with the nature of God. Now he turns to the nature of the Christian and teaches that it should be based on love. He has already broached this subject in ch. 2:7-11, but here restates it in still more definite terms.

From the beginning. Compare on ch. 2:7. The phrase may here refer to the beginning of the readers’ Christian experience or to the beginning of the preaching of the gospel.

Love one another. This is the message that John is conveying to his readers. It is also the “new commandment” given by Christ to His followers (see on John 13:34, 35). Its importance is beyond question, and the church should place it in the forefront of its standards, so that each member may realize that one of his first Christian duties is to cultivate and express a sincere practical love for his brethren.