God’s Love - O le Alofa o le Atua

Scripture Focus: 1 Ioane 4:7-21

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God. He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love. By this God’s love was revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only 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 as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we remain in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.
- 1 John 4:7-21 (WEB)

Study:

This passage from 1 John beautifully articulates the essence of God's love and its implications for our lives. John emphasizes that love isn't merely a feeling *we* have towards God, but rather a demonstration of His love *for* us, evidenced by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. This love is not abstract; it’s profoundly personal and transformative. Because God first loved us, we are enabled and *obligated* to love one another. This love isn't optional for the believer – it’s proof of our relationship with Him. John powerfully connects loving others with knowing God. Furthermore, the passage stresses that perfect love casts out fear, offering boldness in the face of judgment. Remaining in love means remaining in God, a state of communion fostered by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

Application:

In our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in personal anxieties and self-focused pursuits. This passage challenges us to intentionally redirect our focus outward, towards loving those around us. Genuine love isn’t passive; it’s active, sacrificial, and seeks the well-being of others. It requires us to confront our own biases and prejudices and extend grace even to those who are difficult to love. This isn't about earning God’s favor; it's about responding to the incredible love He has already poured out upon us. The reassurance that perfect love conquers fear is incredibly relevant in a world rife with uncertainty, allowing us to live with confidence and hope.

Reflection Questions:

• How does understanding that God *first* loved us change your perspective on loving others?
• In what areas of your life is fear hindering your ability to love fully?
• Are there relationships in your life where you struggle to show love? What steps can you take to bridge that gap?
• How does the concept of remaining in God’s love impact your daily decisions?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your immeasurable love, freely given to us through Jesus Christ. Help us to embody that love in our interactions with others, casting out fear and living with boldness. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may grow in our understanding of your love and reflect it brightly in the world. Amen.

Tags: God’s Love, 1 John 4, Christian Life, Love one another, Sacrificial Love, Perfect Love, Fear of God, Loving others, Knowing God, Walking with Jesus, Leni, Lanu Violē