Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 John 3:9-11

"Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. 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. For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:" — 1 John 3:9-11 (ASV)

For his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil, whoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Love is the essential mark of the true child of God. God is love; and, therefore, he who is born of God must love. Hatred, envy, malice, uncharitableness—these are not the things to be found in the children of God; if they are found in you, you are not one of his children.