“"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."”
1 John 4:7
Summary
1 John 4 begins with a call to discernment as John warns believers against false prophets and urges them to test the spirits to determine if they are from God. He emphasizes that true spirits will acknowledge Jesus Christ's incarnation. The chapter establishes the foundational theme of God's love, explaining that love originates from God and that those who know God will naturally express love towards others. John presents the profound theological truth that God is love, and this divine love was manifested through sending Jesus into the world for humanity's salvation. He challenges readers to abide in love, which is evidence of living in God and relinquishing fear of judgement. Him dwelling in us, and us in Him, is proof of His completed work in us. Love for one another becomes a testimony of God's presence. John closes the chapter reiterating the inseparability of love for God and love for fellow humans.