At the heart of Christianity is the command to love both your neighbor but also fellow believers. John includes a tough rebuke that states that any believer who does not love his brother walks in darkness.

These verses contain some of strongest verses regarding the expected sanctification of believers. John states that a believer ought to walk the same as Jesus.

John addresses the importance of fellowship and confession of sins. Some of the most classic verses in the Bible are taken from the opening of this epistle. 

The Apostle John opens up his epistle with the declaration that the knowledge he has comes from first-hand experience with Jesus himself. John states that he has heard, seen and felt Jesus for himself. 

Many preachers and believers are uncomfortable when discussing sin. They don't like to talk about it. These verses discuss the importance of holding our brothers and sisters accountable. 

The need for patience and perseverance is highlighted in these verses. Believers will have enmity with the world like Jesus and will endure some form of suffering.

This chapter closes with insight from James about the futility of making plans. Once your heart is given to the Lord, He will use you in ways that you can't foresee.

We find a variety of topics addressed by James here. He addresses the danger of pride, the importance of humility and condemnation of judgment.

James moves from the importance of controlling the tongue to the importance of good conduct. Some translations use very pointed language such as being "without hypocrisy."

Bridling your tongue and its importance is the subject of James' writing in these verses. James offers some intriguing illustrations about the spiritual implications of the tongue.