What is the meaning of 1 John 4:16? And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us - John is speaking as an eyewitness (1 John 1:1-3) who has personally experienced Christ’s love. - “Know” speaks of direct encounter; “believe” speaks of confident trust. Both are needed (John 20:29; Romans 5:5). - This love is directed “for us,” not merely in general—echoing John 3:16 and 1 John 3:1. - Because God’s love is certain, we can rest our hearts, minds, and futures upon it (Psalm 36:7; Romans 8:38-39). God is love - Love is not just one of God’s qualities; it is His very essence—just as “God is light” (1 John 1:5) and “God is spirit” (John 4:24). - Every action God takes flows from this reality (Exodus 34:6; Ephesians 2:4-5). - The cross is the clearest demonstration (1 John 4:9-10; Romans 5:8). - Because God Himself defines love, the world’s changing definitions must be measured against His character (Isaiah 55:8-9). Whoever abides in love abides in God - “Abide” means to stay, remain, make one’s home (John 15:4-10). - We abide in love by: • Trusting Christ’s finished work (1 John 4:15; Galatians 2:20) • Obeying His commands, especially the command to love one another (John 13:34; 1 John 3:23-24) • Walking in the Spirit, who produces love as His first fruit (Galatians 5:22). - A lifestyle marked by self-giving love reveals genuine fellowship with God (1 Corinthians 13:1-7). And God in him - The indwelling is mutual: as we remain in love, God remains in us (John 14:23; 1 John 4:13). - His presence brings assurance (Romans 8:16), power for holy living (Ephesians 3:16-17), and hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). - This union cannot be manufactured by effort; it is granted through new birth and maintained through daily dependence (John 3:5-8; Philippians 2:13). summary 1 John 4:16 assures believers that God’s very nature is love, that we have personally encountered and trusted that love through Christ, and that living continually in love is the evidence and experience of God dwelling in us. Love is both the proof of our relationship with Him and the atmosphere in which that relationship flourishes. |
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