“And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” vs10-11

This is the duty and response to God’s love: He loved us freely, sending the Son to die for our sins, and we love others because of it.

We do not love to earn God’s love or to keep it! It is graciously ours without any goodness in us, no deservedness, and no merit; it is not because we are American, raised in the church, or never acted homosexually; it is not because we are kind, serve as missionaries, or die as martyrs! It is not because of anything we say or do. He loved us before we were born. He chose us and put us in Christ. He expressed this love by sending His Son to die an awful death and rise again! He loved us AS THE GREATEST EXPRESSION of His character.

Yet, His love does not stop with atonement: It continues on to transform us, make us after Christ’s image, and to create love in us for our neighbor. This love gives to the church, helping the poor and needy [1 John 3:16]; it forgives and gives mercy to others [Luke 10:37]; it looks upon the poor, the weak, and the sinful through the prism of,

“I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.” [1 Tim 1:13]

I heard from a missionary today. He said, “Regarding what the Lord has done for me, I can’t turn back… I love to serve Him until my last breath.”

This is the motive of the saints: We have been LOVED SO MUCH that we can’t turn back from loving others and serving in the gospel. This is the evidence of election that Paul talks about,

“And continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thess 1:3]

This love proves that we are saints, and it is God’s gift to everyone who believes.

Let’s concentrate on this aspect of the gospel, never forgetting the former things. Faith has two sides: One passive and the other active. It trusts the Lord Jesus Christ, and it does as commanded.

Secondly, we are just like God, when we love others. [1 John 4:17]

And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him. vs16-17

This is high honor and privilege; this is boldness! Loving others produces confidence because our eyes are on Jesus Christ. We have not forgotten the gospel. We are unprofitable servants after doing everything required [Luke 17:10]. We know that we are accepted by faith alone, but love provides assurance that we really believe: the Spirit bears witness to us [1 John 3:24].

One example is my preaching: When I get the gospel, I am happy, as I write it down. Yet, when I preach the gospel, I am happier, sharing it with others. Then, when others believe and receive comfort… when they obey the teaching… then I am happiest, because love wants others to be helped. All of this is joyful: Faith receives, love gives, and love delights to see Christ save.

Be sure that you love others, and you’ll be assured a peaceful life.

Finally, here is the reason why we love: [1 John 4:19]

We love because He first loved us. vs19

Love is produced by seeing God’s love in Jesus Christ - seeing Him send the Son to die for you, while you were yet a sinner… seeing Him come to you with bountiful mercy, when you could have been condemned! This love liberates the mind and delights the heart; it eases the burdened conscience; it forgives and gives power over sin. This love must have an outlet, which is love back to Him and to love others.

Keep this love of Christ in mind! Don’t let it slip. Go back to this Source repeatedly, so you can love as commanded. As you see Him, then you will be like Him [2 Cor 3:18]. Isn’t this true? Don’t you feel MOST LOVING, when you see Him in the gospel… then as you serve with your gifts, aren’t you most satisfied?

This is the promise of eternal life [1 John 2:25]. Silver and gold may not be our portion. Health (that precious thing) may fail us. Loved ones may depart, but God’s love is constant, and our ability to love arises from it.

How could Corrie Ten Boom forgive the Nazi soldier? It was not because he treated her well in the concentration camp. He was most cruel. It was because of God’s love in Christ: God reminded her of Calvary, regeneration by grace, and daily mercies. He reminded her of His eternal promises.