1 John 4:7

Beloved. John introduces another phase of his subject (cf. verse 1). The transition from a discussion of the discernment of spirits to the need for love may seem abrupt, yet in reality it is not so, for the apostle is continuing to discuss the characteristics of those who are “of God” (verse 2). The ability to detect false teachers is necessary for those who are born of God, but John now shows that love is no less essential. As the confession or denial of the reality of the incarnation is the key test in the realm of belief (verses 2, 3), so the presence or absence of genuine love is the test of the moral quality of one who professes to be of God, for the Spirit of God and the spirit of hate cannot coexist in the same heart.

Let us. John is here addressing all believers, and is not limiting his appeal to the teachers, the “we” of verse 6.

Love one another. See on 1 John 3:11. The relationship between “beloved” and “love one another” is arresting. The force of the construction may be conveyed by the rendering, “loved ones, love another.” Those whom John is addressing are themselves beloved by their ministers, and in turn are asked to reciprocate the love they receive and to share it with others.

How can we love those to whom we are not naturally drawn? Those whom we should love do not always appear lovable, and it is easy to turn from such and to lavish our affection on those who are compatible with us. But God and Christ have left us examples of universal love (see on Matt. 5:43-45; John 3:16; Rom. 5:8), and they will give their followers grace to love all men, even the apparently unlovable. Prayer for the one whom we do not love will bring the love of God into our hearts, and will arouse an interest in our brother’s welfare. As we learn more about him knowledge will quicken into understanding, understanding into sympathy, and sympathy into love. Thus we may learn to love another even when to do so seems most difficult. For the type of love here enjoined see on Matt. 5:43, 44.

Love is of God. Literally, “love is out of God.” This is the reason advanced by John in support of his appeal for brotherly love. All true love is derived from God, who is the only source of love. All who are “out of God” (see on verse 2) will, by reason of their divine origin, display the love that comes from their Father.

Every one. Or, “whosoever” (cf. on 1 John 3:6).

Loveth. Or, “continues to love.” John is not here suggesting that the act of love produces the new birth, for that would be like expecting the fruit to produce the tree that bore it, and would be contrary to the teachings on the new birth as recorded by the apostle (see on John 3:3-5). He is rather saying that all who keep on loving show that they have been born again.

Is born of God. Or, “has been born of God.” See on 1 John 2:29; 3:9. Only those who have been born of God can really love in the Christian sense of the term.

Knoweth God. Compare on 1 John 2:3, 4.