1 John 4:16

Commentary on 1 John 4:16

1 John 4:16 (NKJV): “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”

Context within 1 John 4: 1 John 4 is a chapter that focuses on the nature of God’s love and the implications of this love for believers. The Apostle John emphasises the necessity of love among Christians, rooted in the understanding that God Himself is love. This chapter discusses how God’s love is made manifest through Jesus Christ and how believers are called to reflect this love in their lives.

Teaching from 1 John 4:16

Knowledge and Belief in God’s Love: The verse begins with the affirmation, “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.” This underscores the importance of both intellectual assent and personal trust in God’s love. The knowledge of God’s love is grounded in Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ, while belief signifies a personal commitment and trust in this divine love (Romans 5:8).

God is Love: John’s declaration, “God is love,” is profound and central. This statement signifies that love is not merely an attribute of God but is intrinsic to His very nature. God’s actions are inherently loving, reflecting His character. This love is most clearly demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity (John 3:16).

Abiding in Love and God: The phrase “he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” highlights the intimate relationship between believers and God. To abide in love means to live in a continual state of loving God and others. This abiding is possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to love as God loves. This mutual indwelling signifies a deep, transformative relationship with God (John 15:4–5).

Application to Modern Christian Living

Embracing God’s Love: Believers are called to embrace the knowledge and belief in God’s love. This involves meditating on Scripture, recognising God’s love in their lives, and responding with gratitude and trust. It challenges Christians to allow this divine love to shape their identity and actions (Ephesians 3:17–19).

Reflecting God’s Love: Understanding that “God is love” compels Christians to reflect His love in their interactions with others. This means practising kindness, patience, forgiveness, and compassion, mirroring the love of Christ. It encourages believers to love others sacrificially, putting their needs above their own (1 Corinthians 13:4–7).

Cultivating an Abiding Relationship: To abide in love and God involves cultivating a close, ongoing relationship with Him. This requires engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in community worship. It also means being attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, seeking to live in a manner that honours God and exemplifies His love (Galatians 5:22–23).

In conclusion, 1 John 4:16 provides a profound understanding of God’s nature as love and the transformative effect of this love on believers. This verse emphasises the importance of knowing and believing in God’s love, reflecting His love in relationships, and abiding in a deep, personal connection with God. These teachings call Christians to live out their faith in a way that exemplifies the divine love they have received.