SOURCE OF LOVE (1 John 4:7-10)

True love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows Him. If we don’t love, are we truly connected to God? Two essential tests for Christians are: Do we believe in Jesus? Do we love like Him? These questions lead to self-reflection. Those lacking love don’t truly know God. This isn’t to make us doubt our salvation but to confirm our relationship with Christ! 

One of the most powerful statements in the Bible is “God is love”. Love has always existed, even before the world began (John 17:24). The relationship within the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—is defined by  God didn’t create humanity out of necessity but out of His boundless love. We long for love because we’re made in God’s image. Love is at the core of His nature. 

God demonstrated His love through Jesus who is the perfect solution for our sins, embodying God’s holiness with His love. God, being loving and gracious, provided a way for us to have a relationship with Him. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross exemplifies this incredible love. 

SHOW GOD’S LOVE (1 John 4:11-12, 19) 

God has shown us complete love, and now He wants us to show that same love to others. We love others because He loved us first. To love like God, we need to stay connected to Him and experience His love ourselves. Even though we can't see God, His love and presence are felt through us. As Colin Smith says, "God’s love comes to you, and it comes through you." We weren't meant to keep God’s love to ourselves. It becomes perfect when we let it flow to us and through us, completing its purpose. Many people around us need love. Will we let God's love fill us and flow out to them? 

STAY IN GOD’S LOVE (1 John 4:13-18, 20-21)  

Staying in God’s love means being continuously connected in His presence and being confident through His Spirit. When we abide by God, we can be assured of a solid relationship with Him. Love isn't just a feeling; it's a continuous bond with God that showcases His nature in our lives. Our lives should give off the fragrance of God's love, making His presence known to others. 

This assurance of God’s love gives us confidence and dispels fear. When we truly understand how much God loves us, we don’t need to fear rejection or not being enough. Instead, we can live boldly , knowing we're loved by Him no matter what. Being in Christ changes who we are (1 John 3:1). As God's children, we're free from fear and insecurity, able to live out God's plan for us. This change leads us to want to love God, please Him, and love others. 

John lived to be one of the oldest apostles, writing this letter in his later years. Having personally witnessed the Jesus he spoke of ; he testifies to the necessity of Jesus in our lives. Will you confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord? Without Jesus, we cannot love the way He loves us.  God is love, and to love like God, we must abide in Him. Let's nurture our relationships with God and people (family, community groups, etc.) because God designed us for community and mutual support.