1 John 3:14

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.

(v14, NIV)

What is this passing from death to life? Well, there are those who are of the devil. However, there are also those who are born of God. In addition, in the gospel of John, chapter three is about Jesus talking to Nicodemus.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

(John 3:1-8, NIV)

There is this idea of being born again. We are of the devil. We were dead in our trespasses and sins as Ephesians 2 explains. However, God stepped in. Thus, we can be born again; we can be born of God.

A sign of this passing from death to life is love. Those who have been born of God love their brothers. Not just their biological brothers, but also brothers in Christ. This love is a testimony and an outpouring of those who are born of God. It does not make sense for those who are born of God to not love. Instead, if you do not love, you are still dead.