1 John 4:8 He that loves not knows not God; for God is love. I. In the first place, I think we should take this text as it stands — as being literally and completely true. It needs no qualification, admits of no complement. That "God is love" is not one side of the truth, but the whole truth, about God. No addition is possible. The leaf, we are told, is the stem expanded — the stem is the leaf closed. This text is theology closed. All theology is this text expanded. II. We are to take it as true of God at all times and in all places. Nothing but love has ever reigned on the throne of creation; nothing but love ever will reign. Christ did not create, He revealed, the love of God. The love of God has no shallows. It is equally deep everywhere — Calvary deep Wherever you try it. III. "God is love." When? Always. "God is love!" Where? Everywhere. Love built heaven. Love made earth. Love made hell; and its pains are the measure of God's love for goodness — its flames are love on fire. IV. Now, one word as to the effect this revelation ought to have on us. One effect is joy. This text, if we believe it, will assuage our sorrow, lighten our hearts, and brighten our lives. "God is love," I say. "Of course!" you say. How commonplace! But look into old creeds, look into modern philosophy, where God is Force without heart, and Law without pity. Look at your own lives, at the records on the pages of memory. Are you not glad for your own sakes that God is love? (J. M. Gibbon.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. |
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