1 John 3

The Name That Holds — a note on this chapter.

Which worship songs are based on 1 John 3?

Children — Jill Phillips (2008) 1 John 3:1
The chorus closely adapts John's expression of wonder at the Father's love in granting believers the identity of God's children. The song applies that shared belonging to both parent and child.
Beautiful — Shawn McDonald (2013) 1 John 3:1
The chorus closely adapts John's description of believers being called God's children. Its astonishment at receiving that identity also reflects the verse's invitation to consider the Father's extraordinary love.
Furious — Bethel Music & Jeremy Riddle (2011) 1 John 3:1
The second verse closely adapts John's linked statements about the Father's lavish love and believers being named his children. This combination identifies the passage more specifically than a general reference to divine love or belonging.
Louder Than the Lies — Big Daddy Weave (2025) 1 John 3:1
The lyrics affirm the identity of believers as children of God, echoing the message that God's love defines who we are, as seen in 1 John 3:1, which speaks of the love the Father has given us to be called His children.
B.I.G. — Forrest Frank (2025) 1 John 3:1
The chorus identifies the singer as someone God calls a child of God, closely reflecting John's declaration that believers are called God's children.
God Is Love (feat. Amanda Burnich & Bobby Myers) — Cross Point Music & Amanda Burnich & Bobby Myers (2023) 1 John 3:1
The bridge closely follows John’s expression of wonder at the Father’s love, the resulting identity as God’s children, and the emphatic assurance that this identity is already theirs.
Children of God — Steven Curtis Chapman (2007) 1 John 3:1
The song closely adapts John's expression of wonder at the Father's love demonstrated in naming believers his children. This passage supplies the song's central declaration of belonging.
The Love You Have for Me — Sean Feucht (2015) 1 John 3:1
The opening verse closely reproduces John's declaration that the Father's lavish love grants believers their identity as God's children.
Child of God — Peyton Parrish (2025) 1 John 3:1
The phrase 'I am a child of God' directly quotes the sentiment expressed in 1 John 3:1, which speaks to the identity and relationship believers have with God as His children.
Father — Hillsong UNITED (2011) 1 John 3:1
The pre-chorus closely echoes John’s expression of wonder that the Father’s love enables believers to be called His children. The surrounding emphasis on paternal love and belonging reinforces this specific connection.
Hello, My Name Is — Capitol Kids! (2014) 1 John 3:1
The bridge closely reproduces this verse’s description of the Father’s lavish love and believers’ identity as his children. This direct citation anchors the song’s central declaration of belonging to God.
Hello, My Name Is — Matthew West (2012) 1 John 3:1
The bridge closely reproduces this verse's declaration of the Father's abundant love and believers' identity as God's children. This explicit reference anchors the song's central identity claim.
The One You Love (feat. Rachael Lampa) — Tasha Layton & Rachael Lampa (2025) 1 John 3:1
The lyrics express the idea of being defined by God's love rather than by personal insecurities, which resonates with the message of 1 John 3:1, highlighting the identity of believers as children of God.
Jesus Glow — Abe Parker (2026) 1 John 3:1
The song refers to the woman as 'royalty' and a 'daughter of a King,' which aligns with the biblical theme of believers being children of God, as expressed in 1 John 3:1.
Simply Redeemed — Brian Courtney Wilson (2009) 1 John 3:2
The closing expectation of transformation when Christ returns and believers see Him closely follows John's connection between Christ's appearing, seeing Him, and becoming like Him. The song expresses that transformation as future perfection.
Ascend — Bethel Music, William Matthews (2013) 1 John 3:2
The bridge directly adapts John's promise that believers will resemble Christ when they see Him. It preserves the verse's specific relationship between future vision and transformation.
Soon — Brooke Ligertwood (2023) 1 John 3:2
The anticipated sight of Christ resulting in the believer becoming like him closely paraphrases John's promise concerning Christ's appearing.
Open My Eyes — Kathy Troccoli (2020) 1 John 3:2
Her expectation that she will ultimately become like God echoes John's promise that believers will be like Christ when He is revealed.
I'm Not What I Was — Gold City (2009) 1 John 3:2
The closing assurance of future likeness to Christ closely reflects John's promise that believers will become like him when he appears. The song places this expectation at the believer's homegoing rather than explicitly at Christ's appearing.
Not Yet — Chris Renzema (2018) 1 John 3:2
The chorus combines Paul's image of beholding divine glory with an unveiled face and being transformed into the same likeness with John's promise that believers will become like Christ when they see him directly.
Stay With God — Bryson Gray (2020) 1 John 3:4-9
The song explicitly directs listeners to this passage and applies its warning that persistent, unrepentant sin is incompatible with being born of God.
Sweet Little Jesus Boy — Casting Crowns (2008) 1 John 3:5
The description of Jesus coming to remove humanity's sins closely adapts this verse's statement that he appeared to take away sins. The song turns the verse's affirmation of knowledge into a confession of failed recognition.
1 John 3 — Bryson Gray (2023) 1 John 3:7-10
The song explicitly applies John's distinction between those who practice righteousness and those whose habitual sin reveals allegiance to the devil. It also identifies the world's hatred of believers with the warning in verse 13.
Feels Like in First John — ApologetiX (2017) 1 John 3:7-10
The bridge names this passage when describing people whose persistent conduct reveals that they do not know the Lord. The passage distinguishes God's children from the devil's children through practiced righteousness and love.
Oh My God — Jars of Clay (2007) 1 John 3:15
The bridge places hatred of a brother alongside humanity’s capacity for murder, echoing John’s identification of hatred toward a fellow believer with murder. This connection rests on the paired concepts rather than the song’s broader concern with human wrongdoing.
Invest in Love — Beckah Shae (2008) 1 John 3:16-18
The bridge closely adapts this passage’s definition of love through Christ’s self-giving and its instruction to express love through truthful action rather than speech alone. The surrounding appeal to material generosity also matches the passage’s concern for people in need.
What We're Here For — The Afters (2013) 1 John 3:16
The chorus presents Christ’s sacrifice as the model for believers’ self-giving love. This closely parallels John’s movement from Jesus giving his life for us to our responsibility to give ourselves for others.
The One — Brandon Heath (2011) 1 John 3:16-17
The bridge’s call to give one’s life for others closely echoes John’s instruction to imitate Christ’s self-sacrifice. The song’s emphasis on responding to material need reinforces the connection to the following verse, which challenges believers to help rather than withhold compassion.
Heroes — Casting Crowns (2014) 1 John 3:16
The chorus describes ordinary believers surrendering their lives in service to others. This closely echoes John's instruction that believers should lay down their lives for one another, translating that sacrifice into daily caregiving and mission.
Somebody Loves You — Jordan Feliz (2024) 1 John 3:16
The chorus presents Christ's voluntary death as the defining proof of his love, closely paraphrasing John's description of knowing love through Christ's self-sacrifice.
Beyond Our Suffering — As I Lay Dying (2010) 1 John 3:16-18
The outro closely adapts John's call for believers to give their lives for others and express love through practical assistance to those in need. Its emphasis on serving suffering people makes this passage a stronger match than John 15:13.
Again — Jeremy Camp (2024) 1 John 3:16
The bridge describes Christ willingly laying down his life on another's behalf, closely reflecting this verse's definition of divine love through Jesus' sacrificial death.
Love Is — Jordan Feliz (2024) 1 John 3:16
The song defines love through Jesus voluntarily giving his life for others, closely following this verse's explanation of how Christ's self-sacrifice reveals the nature of love.
wannabe — Danny Gokey (2024) 1 John 3:16
The song identifies self-giving love through Jesus surrendering his life, closely reflecting John’s statement that love is known by Christ laying down his life for believers.
Let It Be Love (Smile Future remix) — Family Force 5 (2014) 1 John 3:16-18
The song connects Jesus’s self-sacrifice with the call to express love through lived compassion rather than words alone. This closely follows the passage’s movement from Christ’s death as the measure of love to practical care for others.
What Love Is (Because You Died) — Hillsong UNITED (2022) 1 John 3:16
The song defines love through Christ voluntarily giving his life for the believer, closely following John's definition of love through Jesus laying down his life.
Reckless — Jeremy Camp (2013) 1 John 3:16
The song explicitly makes Christ's voluntary sacrifice the model for the singer's own self-giving. This closely follows the verse's movement from Christ laying down his life to the corresponding obligation of believers, though the song does not specify service to fellow believers.
Exalt Him — Bluetree (2012) 1 John 3:16
The pre-chorus identifies Christ's sacrificial death as the means by which love is recognized and understood, closely adapting John's explanation of how believers know love.
Treasure — Flyleaf (2009) 1 John 3:16
The ending identifies Christ's voluntary surrender of his life as the revelation of love and responds with personal surrender. This closely follows the verse's movement from Christ's self-sacrifice to a corresponding obligation of self-giving love.
Stay — Avalon (2009) 1 John 3:16
The bridge contrasts the world’s promises with Christ’s giving his life for the listener. This closely adapts the verse’s identification of Christ’s voluntary death for others as the defining demonstration of love.
Quicksand — Scott Stapp (2024) 1 John 3:17
The appeal to brothers and sisters who recognize another person's need yet withhold compassionate love closely parallels John's challenge concerning a believer who sees a sibling in need but closes their heart.
Every Time I Breathe — Big Daddy Weave (2011) 1 John 3:18
The second verse closely adapts John's contrast between merely verbal love and love expressed through action. The song applies that contrast to devotion to God demonstrated in everyday conduct.
Love Like That — Hawk Nelson (2013) 1 John 3:18
The chorus urges listeners to express love through their lives rather than speech, closely reflecting John's instruction to love through action and truth rather than words alone.
Love Like I Mean It — Newsboys (2013) 1 John 3:18
The opening verse contrasts verbal expressions of love with love demonstrated through action. This closely parallels John's instruction to love through deeds and truth rather than merely through words.
Love Is Action — Tauren Wells (2017) 1 John 3:18
The song’s central claim closely reflects John’s instruction that Christian love must be expressed through deeds rather than remaining merely verbal. Its repeated emphasis on active service toward people in need strengthens this connection.
Love Out Loud — Jaci Velasquez (2008) 1 John 3:18
The bridge contrasts merely verbal love with tangible care expressed through touch and lived action. This closely paraphrases John's instruction to love through deeds and truth rather than words alone.
Light of Your Grace — Citizens (2020) 1 John 3:19-20
The song grounds assurance in God’s truth surpassing the accusations of one’s own heart, closely paraphrasing John’s teaching that God is greater than a condemning heart.

1 John 3 (King James Version)

¹ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

² Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

³ And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

⁴ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

⁵ And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

⁶ Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

⁷ Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

⁸ He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

⁹ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

¹⁰ In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

¹¹ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

¹² Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

¹³ Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

¹⁵ Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

¹⁶ Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

¹⁷ But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

¹⁸ My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

¹⁹ And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

²⁰ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

²¹ Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

²² And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

²³ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

²⁴ And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.