1 John 4:7: Love Comes from God

1 John 4:7 reminds us that love isn't just an emotion—it's God's Spirit working through us. As believers, we're called to love unconditionally. Today's challenge: Reach out to someone difficult and reflect Christ's love.

VERSE & CHALLENGELOVE

Trace Pirtle

9/11/20251 min read

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7 (NKJV)

In the verses leading up to this passage, John reminds believers to test the spirits—distinguishing between those who confess Christ and those who don't. But here's where it gets personal: if we claim to be children of God, we must love as God loves—unconditionally.

Matthew Henry notes that "the Spirit of God is the Spirit of Love" and that our new nature as believers is "the offspring of His love." This means love isn't just an emotion we feel when it's convenient or comfortable. It's not loving our friends while harboring resentment toward our enemies.

God's love flows through us as His Spirit works within us. When we love unconditionally—especially those who are difficult to love—we reflect Christ to a watching world. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said, "Am I not destroying my enemies when I make them my friends?"

Every person has a choice: to be of God or not. Perhaps the difference between belief and unbelief in someone's life is one act of unconditional love from us.

Today's Challenge: 1 John 4:7

Think of someone who's "difficult to love." Show them God's unconditional love by:

Sending an encouraging text, email, or handwritten note
Praying for them specifically
Expecting nothing in return

This isn't about perfection—only Jesus was perfect. It's about reflecting God's love through us and potentially making an eternal difference in someone's life.

Image: Jamethelene Reskup via Unsplash