How does 1 John 5:2 define love for God and His children? Love Defined in a Single Sentence “By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments.” (1 John 5:2) Two Sides of the Same Coin: Loving God & His Children • John links love for fellow believers directly to love for God. • If one side is missing, the coin is counterfeit; genuine love shows both faces simultaneously. Obedience: The Practical Outworking • “Keep His commandments” is the measuring stick. • Love in Scripture is never mere sentiment; it shows up in choices that align with God’s revealed will. • John immediately adds, “For this is love for God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) Cross-References That Echo the Pattern • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • 2 John 1:6 — “And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments.” • 1 John 2:3-5 — “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” • John 13:34-35 — “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Everyday Application • Ask, “Does my treatment of fellow believers reflect obedience to God’s Word?” • Serve, give, encourage, forgive—each act fulfills a clear command. • The more we delight in God, the more natural it becomes to sacrificially love His family, proving the reality of both loves in daily life. |
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