In word, neither with the tongue (λογω μηδε τη γλωσση). Either instrumental or locative makes sense. What John means is "not merel…

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue. By mere profession; by merely saying that we love each other. See [Referen…

BROTHERLY LOVE THE NECESSARY FLOWER OF THE DIVINE LOVE IN THE DIVINE BIRTH (1 John 3:11–18).—In 1 John 2:10, St. Joh…

Because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brot…

Turning back to “little children” (see comment on v.13), John admonishes with the tone of a spiritual father pleading for the heartfelt response of…

Let us not love in word. There is a concession in this first clause. For while we cannot truly love in tongue only, many falsely pretend t…

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in
tongue
Which though it holds g…

Here is the condescension, the miracle, the mystery of Divine love: that God would redeem the church with his own blood. Surely we should love thos…