17 If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God.
18 Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
19 When we love others, we know that we belong to the truth, and we feel at ease in the presence of God.
20 But even if we don't feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.
21 Dear friends, if we feel at ease in the presence of God, we will have the courage to come near him.
22 He will give us whatever we ask, because we obey him and do what pleases him.
23 God wants us to have faith in his Son Jesus Christ and to love each other. This is also what Jesus taught us to do.