New Testament Word & Image: 1 John 3:18-24 & Khachkars (Armenian Carved Stone Crosses)

1 John 3:18-24

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 

Khachkar at Goshavank, carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos

And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 

Khachkar in Gyumri

For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 


A modern khackhar at the Armenian Catholicossate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon

Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 


Thirteenth century khachkar at Gandzasar Monastery in Nagorno-Karabakh

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 


A modern, Amenaprkich-type, khachkar in Novi Sad, Serbia (1993)

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.


Double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the Dadivank Monastery in Nagorno-Karabakh

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.


A khachkar or Armenian cross-stone in memory of the Medz Yeghern, Armenian Genocide, Rome

And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

Khachkar Crosses Ston, Khachkar Crossston