This verse (1 John 4:7) is not talking about love as a feeling, attraction, kindness, generosity, or material giving. It’s talking about a nature.
When John says “love is of God,” he means love doesn’t originate in humans at all. It flows from God’s own being. God doesn’t merely have love—He is love (1John 4:8). So to love “correctly” isn’t to perform loving acts better; it’s to participate in God’s life. That’s why John connects love to being “born of God.” Love is the evidence that God’s life is operating within you, the way breathing proves someone is alive.
Biblical love (agápē) is not about preference, affection, or reward. It is a willful posture of self-giving for another’s good, even when nothing is returned. God loved us before we were lovable. He moved toward us in truth, not denial; in sacrifice, not sentiment. So loving others doesn’t mean approving of everything, rescuing everyone, or losing yourself. It means you choose truth, mercy, patience, forgiveness, and restraint because God has done so with you. Love often looks quiet, costly, misunderstood—and strong.
So how do you love correctly? You don’t manufacture it. You abide in God—remain close, receptive, honest—and His love expresses itself through you. When you forgive what’s undeserved, speak truth without cruelty, refuse revenge, act for someone’s good even when it costs you—that’s love. And when you do that, John says something staggering: you’re not just loving well… you’re revealing that you know God.
This verse isn’t a command to try harder. It’s an invitation to live differently—from the inside out. And the more you let God love you, the more naturally His love flows through you to others.
Until He Splits The Sky,
-Pat-
