The Essence of Love (v6)

1. The Foundation (Introduction)

Dear friends, let us direct our attention to the Word of God, as it stands eternal and authoritative. In 1 John 4:7, the apostle writes, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." Within these inspired words, we find the essence of divine love—a profound truth that envelopes the nature of God and underpins the life of every believer. It is through this passage that we are summoned to explore the dimensions of love as the divine essence, the ultimate benchmark of our faith and practice.

2. The Historical & Biblical Context

The Apostle John, affectionately known as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," authored these letters with a paternal heart towards the early Christian communities. He wrote during a time when the church faced numerous doctrinal challenges, including heresies such as Gnosticism, which distorted the person and work of Jesus Christ. In essence, John’s letters are a reaffirmation of fundamental Christian truths, reiterating the preeminence of love as both a command and a testimony of authentic faith. John reminded believers that knowing God extends beyond mere intellectual assent; it transforms into love expressed through action, reflecting the sacrificial nature of Christ Himself.

3. Word Study (Hebrew/Greek)

In order to apprehend the richness of the Apostle's message, we must examine two key words:

1. Love (Greek: "Agape"): This is the word used in 1 John 4:7 and repeatedly throughout the New Testament when referring to God-like love. Unlike "phileo" (brotherly love) or "eros" (romantic love), "agape" is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. It is love in action, exemplified supremely by Christ’s voluntary death on the cross.

2. Born (Greek: "Gegennēmenos"): This term is translated as "has been born" from John’s passage, derived from the Greek root "gennao," which means to beget or bring forth—a concept denoting spiritual rebirth or regeneration. Those who love are characterized as having undergone this spiritual transformation which makes love their new nature, a fruit of being born of God.

4. Theological Exposition

Let us explore the depth of the lyrics, drawing parallel lines to the eternal truths presented in scripture. The call to "love one another" is not a superficial sentiment, but a profound revelation of God’s nature imparted to His children. This commandment is not optional. It is entwined with the very essence of godliness and holiness.

5. Practical Application: How to Walk This Out

To embody the love of God is our high calling and practical duty as believers, with steps grounded in His Word:

1. Embrace Spiritual Rebirth: Acknowledge that true love flows from a heart transformed by the indwelling Spirit. John 3:3 reminds us of the necessity of being "born again" to see and partake in God’s kingdom.

2. Model Christ’s Sacrificial Love: In practical terms, this means laying aside our own desires for the service and benefit of others, reflecting on Christ’s example in Philippians 2:3-8, where humility and selflessness were His hallmark.

3. Cultivate a Community of Love: Regularly engage in fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together, as it strengthens our collective love walk.

4. Pray for the Ability to Love: As Paul prays in Ephesians 3:17-19, seek God’s empowerment through the Holy Spirit to comprehend and embody the vast dimensions of His love, rooted and established deeply within us.

6. A Proclamation & Prayer

Proclamation:

"I am born of God and therefore, I am called to love. I confess that as Jesus laid down His life for me, I am empowered to lay down my life for my brothers and sisters. I embody God's love, for God Himself lives in me."

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the supreme revelation of Your love through Jesus Christ. I ask for Your Spirit to transform my heart, that I may love others with the same intensity and purity with which You love me. Grant me the grace to live out Your love daily, as a testimony of Your presence in my life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

We equip ourselves for this journey, knowing that the love we give is a reflection of His love that empowers us from within, manifesting the kingdom of God in our midst.