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Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8, NIV)
In the sacred scripture of 1 John, the Apostle John brings to the forefront a principle that is essential to our Christian faith: the essence of true love. This is not just an emotional sentiment but a spiritual reality grounded in the very nature and character of God. John insists that the evidence of our rebirth in Christ is manifest through love—a profound, sacrificial love epitomized by the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Himself.
This epistle from John, often referred to as the Apostle of Love, was written in a time when the early church faced many external challenges and internal divisions. John, an eyewitness of Jesus' life and ministry, writes to encourage believers to live in truth and love, countering false teachings that diminished the significance of Christ's work and the necessity of love amongst believers.
John, residing in Ephesus and having witnessed the maturity of many churches, calls his audience to a standard of love that reflects the love of Christ—a sacrificial, other-centered love that transcends mere human affection.
Let us focus on the word "love" used here. In Greek, the word is "agapē" (ἀγάπη). This specific form of love denotes a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love that seeks the highest good for others, independent of personal gain or attraction.
Another key term is "know" (γινώσκω, ginōskō), which implies an experiential, intimate understanding rather than a superficial or intellectual acquaintance. This knowing is akin to the knowledge that stems from a personal relationship and transformational encounter.
Understanding "agapē" in this context, it becomes apparent that this love is not based on feelings or mutual benefit, but is rooted in the commitment to love others as Christ loved us. Through "ginōskō," we understand that to "know God" is to enter into an intimate and life-changing relationship with Him, transforming our hearts and minds to imitate His love.
### Love as the Evidence of New Birth
John declares that everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Jesus Himself stated in the Gospel of John 13:35, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Love is thus the distinguishing mark of a true disciple.
The lyric "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God" can be cross-referenced with 1 Corinthians 13, where the Apostle Paul details that love is patient, kind, and never fails. This love is a divine attribute, bestowed upon us as evidence of our regeneration in Christ.
### The Cross as the Model of Love
Repeatedly in the lyrics, we see the refrain, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." The cross is the ultimate demonstration of agapē love. John calls us to this standard, emphasizing that we "ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
Romans 5:8 reiterates that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This sacrificial love is not optional for believers; it is imperative.
### The Essential Nature of Love
John asserts that "whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." The phrase "God is love" is profound, indicating that love is not merely an attribute of God but is intrinsic to His very being. As we abide in Him, we also walk in love, demonstrating the transformative power of His love in our daily lives.
First, we must accept and dwell in the love of God. To love others genuinely, we must first be recipients of God's unconditional love through Christ. Spend time meditating on passages such as Romans 8:38-39, which affirm God's unwavering love for us.
Second, we must intentionally choose love in our interactions. This involves forgiveness, grace, and a conscious decision to place others' needs above our own, even as Christ did for us.
Third, we are to embody sacrificial love in community. Look for practical ways to serve others, whether through providing encouragement, meeting a need, or offering your time and talents to bless the body of Christ.
Fourth, we must continually seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that love is a fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, intimate fellowship with the Holy Spirit enables us to express true agapē love in our lives.
Proclamation:
In the name of Jesus, I declare that I am born of God and know God. I choose to walk in love, the love that comes from God Himself. Through the Holy Spirit, I shall love my brothers and sisters as Jesus loved me, laying down my life for others. I affirm that the love of God is shed abroad in my heart, and I will be known as His disciple through this love.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the example of Your love demonstrated in Jesus Christ. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may walk in agapē love each day. Teach me to love as You love, to forgive as You forgive, and to serve as You serve. Let my life reflect Your love to those around me, that they may see and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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