1 John 3:18

Little children. Greek teknia (see on ch. 2:1).

Let us not love. It is possible to give a continuous sense to this phrase — “let us not go on loving” — as if John’s readers were actually loving in word only and needed to stop such mockery. But it is more likely that the apostle is making a simple exhortation to his brethren to practice true love and to avoid the hypocritical attitude implied in v. 17.

In word. There is no harm in loving in word. If the object of the affection has no need of more active help, love expressed by well-chosen words is laudable. But John is discouraging love that limits itself to words when helpful deeds are needed. Compare James 2:15, 16.

In deed and in truth. There are those who do kind deeds without feeling real affection for those whom they are helping. They may be acting only from a sense of duty or a desire to gain the praise of men. Therefore John stresses the need for genuine love. Our loving deeds should be inspired by a genuine affection for others, particularly for those in need.