1 John 4:7: Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

1 John 4:7
[7] Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. (ESV)

Much has been said about love throughout the centuries of time. Love is powerful. Those who claim to know God and those who do not claim to know God each have an understanding of love. The great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had this to say about love:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

While many can speak about love it is best to go directly to the source.  Where does love come from? The Apostle John tells us right in this verse that love is from God. It is important for us to realize that love is not from our sinful selves. Love is from God.  The reason that the world fails so much at love is that they do not recognize the source of love.  If you want to love properly you must receive love from the source of love; God.

We are all loved.  I appreciate how John uses the word "beloved," when he speaks to his audience. The ones he writes to are loved. Loved by whom? God! Those who belong to God are first of all loved by God. We love because he first loved us.  That is the order of things. I know that at many times we feel unloved, but the Scriptures here remind us, we are loved.  In fact, throughout the day consider using the word "beloved" to describe yourself.

So, God is the source of love.  He loves us. What should our response be? I'm glad you asked! "Let us love one another." God's love compels us to love others. And this love that we are to offer is not an optional thing. The Apostle John says here that it is this love for one another that is the evidence that were are born of God and know God.

Beloved. That's you! God loves you.  Love him back. And then love those around you. It's really that simple. Walk in his love today.