What does 1 John 4:14 teach about God's love for all humanity? Verse at a Glance “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14) Key Observations • “have seen and testify” — eyewitness certainty, not speculation • “the Father has sent” — purposeful initiative rooted in divine love • “His Son” — the unique, eternal Son, fully qualified to save • “Savior of the world” — a rescue mission with global reach, no nation or class excluded God’s Love Displayed in the Sending • Love begins with the Father: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” • Love acts, it doesn’t merely feel: Romans 5:8 “God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” • Love is personal and costly: the Father sends the Son, the greatest gift imaginable. The Scope: “Savior of the World” • Universality – 1 John 2:2: “He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.” – John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Availability, not automaticity – Salvation is offered to all; reception comes through faith (John 1:12). • No favoritism – Acts 10:34–35: “God shows no partiality… anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” Love That Moves Us to Witness • “We have seen and testify” sets the pattern: experience leads to proclamation. • Acts 4:20 echoes this heartbeat: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Sharing Christ is not coercion but extension of divine love to every neighbor. Living in the Light of This Love • Rest in assurance: If He is Savior of the world, He is sufficient for your deepest need (Hebrews 7:25). • Reflect His heart: seek the lost, cross barriers, value every life (Luke 19:10). • Respond with obedience: love becomes tangible through deed and truth (1 John 3:17-18). |
    |