Strong Words

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.      – 1 John 4:8 

John’s relationship with Jesus was unique among the disciples. He described himself specifically as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23, 20:2). He was also an eyewitness to some of the most powerful moments of Jesus’ life, including standing at the foot of the cross as Jesus died (John 19:26). Tradition holds that John was the youngest of the twelve disciples and that he outlived them all. He would become the bishop of a large part of Asia Minor. It was John who received the words recorded in the book of Revelation. He reportedly died at Ephesus sometime after AD 98, the only one who did not suffer death as a martyr. He knew first-hand the bountiful love of God. His life and his epistles show he practiced the love to which Jesus calls you. 

In that context, the words of today’s verse seem harsh to some. Theologian John MacArthur writes, “Those whose lives are not characterized by love for others are not Christians, no matter what they claim. … The absence of God’s love in their lives revealed their unregenerate condition.” There are many today who, like the people of John’s time, know about God but do not really know Him. Theologian Warren Wiersbe adds, “The person who does not have this divine kind of love has never entered into a personal, experiential knowledge of God.” 

Loving God’s way provides evidence, through the lifestyle of the believer, of being born-again in Jesus Christ. The worship chorus says, “That’s how it is with God’s love. Once you’ve experienced it, you spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on.” Heed these strong words from John today. If you have not loved as the Lord Jesus calls you to do, kneel before His cross, repent, and be born anew to life in and with the One whose love is irresistible.