What is the meaning of 1 John 5:2? By this we know John writes, “By this we know…”—words of assurance. He is not leaving believers to guess about their standing; he offers a clear test. Similar phrases appear earlier: “By this we will know that we belong to the truth” (1 John 3:19) and Jesus’ own promise, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). The pattern is consistent: genuine faith produces observable evidence. Paul echoes this call to self-examination in 2 Corinthians 13:5. The Spirit uses such markers to settle our hearts and silence doubt. that we love the children of God The focus narrows to our brothers and sisters in Christ. John has already said, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14). Love for fellow believers is not optional; it is family DNA. If someone claims to love God yet harbors hostility toward a sibling in Christ, “he is a liar” (1 John 4:20–21). Jesus grounded the same truth: “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Real affection, practical care, and sacrificial service toward God’s family verify the reality of salvation. when we love God How do we know our love for the church is authentic? It must flow from a deeper fountain—love for God Himself. The first and greatest commandment still stands: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5; see also Matthew 22:37). When the vertical relationship is healthy, the horizontal naturally follows. Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Our affection for Him motivates every other act of love. and keep His commandments Love is never mere sentiment. John completes the test: love for God expresses itself in obedience. Jesus made the link unmistakable: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). John repeats it: “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3–5). Obedience is not earning salvation; it is evidence of it. James adds that faith without works “is dead” (James 2:17). Practical checkpoints: • Does my love for believers cost me time, resources, or comfort? • Is my devotion to God deepening through worship, Scripture, and prayer? • Are there clear steps of obedience I am taking because His Word says so, not because they are convenient? summary 1 John 5:2 teaches that genuine assurance springs from a threefold cord: love for God, obedience to His commands, and sacrificial love for His children. These elements are inseparable; each validates the other. When they are present and growing, we can confidently “know” that the life and love of God truly reside in us. |
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