1 John 3:17

But. John turns from dying for the brethren to the lesser sacrifices that are more frequently demanded of us by the needs of our fellow believers.

This world’s good. Literally, “the living [or, ’livelihood'] of the world.” The word translated “good” (bios; see on ch. 2:16) denotes the means of subsistence — necessities rather than luxuries. That they belong to the world does not mean that they are evil, but that they are connected with this world only.

Seeth. Greek theōreō, “to be a spectator,” “to observe,” “to perceive.” Compare the use of the word in Mark 15:40; Luke 23:35. What the selfish brother does or refuses to do is the result of deliberation and not of thoughtlessness. He has enough to supply his own needs, and is well aware that his fellow believer possesses little or nothing.

Bowels. See on 2 Cor. 6:12; Phil. 1:8. The bowels, along with the heart, were regarded as the seat of the deepest emotions. The phrase would be better rendered today, “closes his heart.”

From him. The picture is of a deliberate turning of the back upon a needy brother.

How? How can it possibly be said that the love of God abides in one who is selfishly indifferent to the needs of another? If love is absent, Christ is absent. Thus the professed Christian does not have eternal life.