# Christ laid down his life for us

This expression means "Christ willingly gave his life for us" or "Christ willingly died for us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# the world's goods

material possessions like money, food, or clothing

# sees his brother in need

"realizes a fellow believer needs help"

# and shuts up his heart of compassion from him

The phrase "shuts up his heart of compassion" is a metaphor. AT: "and does not show him compassion" or "and does not willingly help him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# how does the love of God remain in him?

John uses a question to teach his audience. AT: "God's love is not in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# My dear children

John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). AT: "My dear children in Christ" or "You who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in actions and truth

The phrases "in word" and "in tongue" both refer to what a person says. The word "love" is understood in the second part of the sentence. AT: "do not just say that you love people, but show that you truly love people by helping them" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])