If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth;

Now, little children (believers, dear ones), remain in Him [with unwavering faith], so that when He appears [at His return], we may have [perfect] confidence and not be ashamed and shrink away from Him at His coming.

Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].

By this we know [without any doubt] that we love the children of God: [expressing that love] when we love God and obey His commandments.