1 John 4:7-11 NKJV: The Essence of God's Love
Love, the Foundation of God's Nature
In 1 John 4:7-11, the apostle John emphasizes the significance of love as the fundamental aspect of God's nature. This passage serves as a reminder of God's loving character and our responsibility to demonstrate love towards one another.
1 John 4:7-8 (NKJV)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
The Origin of Love
According to John, love originates from God. This is evident in the phrase "love is of God." God is the source of love, and this attribute is inherent in His nature. Since God is love, it is only natural that those who are born of God will demonstrate love towards one another.
1 John 4:9-10 (NKJV)
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The Ultimate Expression of God's Love
The apostle John highlights the ultimate expression of God's love – the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This selfless act demonstrates God's love towards humanity, underscoring the fact that God loved us first, even when we were still sinners.
1 John 4:11 (NKJV)
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Our Response to God's Love
In light of God's love, we are compelled to love one another. This is not a suggestion, but a moral obligation that stems from our understanding of God's nature. As believers, we are called to emulate God's love, demonstrating it in our relationships with others.
Conclusion
In 1 John 4:7-11, we are reminded of the essence of God's love, which is the foundation of His nature. As believers, we are called to reflect this love towards one another, demonstrating it in our daily lives. May we strive to embody God's love, just as He has loved us first.
