1 John 4:16

And we. This may refer to those who are mentioned in verse 14, that is, the apostolic group who, in contrast with the universal “whosoever” (verse 15), have already been confirmed Christians for many years. Because of this established experience the testimony of the group merits consideration and respect.

Have known and believed. The form of the verbs thus translated indicates that John and his associates not only had known and believed but were continuing to do so. There is need for belief as well as for knowledge; both are essential in Christian experience.

We must know God before we can believe in Him. We must learn of the plan of salvation before we can trust our eternal lives to it. Moreover, both the knowledge and the belief may be progressively deeper. When we believe what we have learned, we are ready to learn more and believe in that, too. Thus neither is ever complete. We shall continue to learn more and believe more, and never shall we fully fathom the profound depths of the love of God to man.

Hath to us. Rather, “has in us.” The form of the Greek verb emphasizes the continuity of God’s love for His children. The preposition “in” indicates that we are the sphere in which the love of God is revealed. A consecrated Christian is the most persuasive exhibit of the fruitage of God’s love; the love of God, having operated in him, has transformed a sinner into a saint. Such miracle-working love cannot but be acknowledged by the one in whom it has operated and by those who observe its transforming power. Thus God’s love comes to be known and believed through the lives of His faithful children.

God is love. See on verse 8. Here the identification is linked with a positive statement, whereas in verse 8 it follows a negative declaration. That God is love has been the constant background of John’s reasoning, and has conditioned his frequent categorical statements.

Dwelleth in love. Whenever we maintain ourselves in the atmosphere of love, it follows that we must be maintaining ourselves in the presence of God. Because we dwell in love, we dwell in God, who is love (verse 8).

To abide continually in the realm of love toward God and men, in the face of contrary influences, calls for spiritual stamina that can be sustained only by constant communion with the Lord. On the difficulty of ever maintaining the needful fellowship between us and God see on verse 15.

God in him. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “God dwelleth in him.” All who have tasted the joys of this mutual indwelling with the God of love know that the reward is well worth the effort. Satan knows it too, and is clever enough not to attempt a direct denial of its value. Instead, he paints many lesser good things in glowing colors and leads us to center our thoughts upon them, even if only for a brief moment. Once he can thus divert our attention from God, he often succeeds in leading the mind along to harmful thoughts of self and others. Before we know it or even realize our danger, we are harboring thoughts of resentment, with the result that love and God have both been driven from our hearts. It is an old technique, but it is still all too successful!

Our best defense is a deliberate and constant centering of the mind upon the blessings we have enjoyed at the hand of God (Ps. 63:6; 139:17, 18). The memory of what God has done for us, of what fellowship with Him has meant, is also strengthened when we tell others of our joys. Such testimonies encourage our brethren and strengthen our determination to maintain the connection between ourselves and Heaven (Mal. 3:16; MH 100).