1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Today’s verses bring us back to the subject of loving one another. John starts off with a term of endearment. In some versions it is “beloved“ while in others, like this one (NIV), we see “dear friends.” He begins with recognizing his fellow believers as beloved and friends, then speaks of loving one another with a love that comes directly from God.
The love we have for one another comes from God. He IS love and it is through Him that we are able to love others. His love pours out from within us and onto those around us – our friends and fellow believers. We show the world that we are children of God through our actions, loving one another. God is the source from which our love flows.
John then goes on to make statements on love and our relationship with God. Those who love others are born of God. We have a close, personal relationship with Him and as a result His love manifests within us. John also points out that we “know” God when we love others. The only way we can know God at such a deep and personal level is by having a relationship with Him, seeking Him with our whole heart. And this happens when we are born again and become believers. As believers we are His sons and daughters who He loves. It is this love that we experience and then love others with.
Those who lack a personal connection or relationship with God have no fellowship with Him. Love is not present. Those who do not love do not know God. It is here at the end of these verses that we see the statement “God is love.” In order to love others with the love of Christ we have to first love God and then have fellowship with Him. Doing so helps us to know Him. It is a choice we make to love Him as well as to love others. As believers, the love of God fills our hearts and our lives and we are able to show love to others.
Who can you love today? Pray to God asking Him to pour out His love on those friends and believers you come in contact with throughout the day. Be aware of their needs and be open to letting His love manifest itself within you so that you are able to love others. Remember, God IS love.
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