3 And by this we may be certain that we have knowledge of him, if we keep his laws. 4 The man who says, I have knowledge of him, and does not keep his laws, is false, and there is nothing true in him: 5 But in every man who keeps his word, the love of God is made complete. By this we may be certain that we are in him: 6 He who says that he is living in him, will do as he did.
7 My loved ones, I do not give you a new law, but an old law which you had from the first; this old law is the word which came to your ears. 8 Again, I give you a new law, which is true in him and in you; for the night is near its end and the true light is even now shining out. 9 He who says that he is in the light, and has hate in his heart for his brother, is still in the dark. 10 He who has love for his brother is in the light, and there is no cause of error in him. 11 But he who has hate for his brother is in the dark, walking in the dark with no knowledge of where he is going, unable to see because of the dark.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 John 2:3-11
Commentary on 1 John 2:3-11
(Read 1 John 2:3-11)
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's regeneration; though never absolutely perfect here. Yet this observing Christ's commands, has holiness and excellency which, if universal, would make the earth resemble heaven itself. The command to love one another had been in force from the beginning of the world; but it might be called a new command as given to Christians. It was new in them, as their situation was new in respect of its motives, rules, and obligations. And those who walk in hatred and enmity to believers, remain in a dark state. Christian love teaches us to value our brother's soul, and to dread every thing hurtful to his purity and peace. Where spiritual darkness dwells, in mind, the judgment, and the conscience will be darkened, and will mistake the way to heavenly life. These things demand serious self-examination; and earnest prayer, that God would show us what we are, and whither we are going.