1 John 4:16
[16] “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
John has had so much to say about love in this epistle. He has emphasized it over and over again. He has talked about God’s love toward us, and our love toward God. Here in our verse he is doing the exact same thing again. He will mention it even more as we continue through the book.
Why does he place so much emphasis on this subject? Our verse tells us that it is because God is love. God has given us his love! Just like John, we should never get over this amazing truth. The fact that he loves us should overwhelm us to the point that we want to talk about it often.
Another reason why John mentions the subject of love so much, is because love leads to life! God’s love for us has given us his Son, and has brought new life to us in Christ. We will see that more clearly in the verses to come. The greatest gift from God to us is his Son. This gift is a result of his love for man.
His love lives within us and causes us to live in him. God’s love has brought about this wonderful relationship, and has given us both life and light for the journey. It reminds me of the old song that we sing, “His Love Lights the Way for Me”. How true this is dear reader. His love gives us salvation, and his love will give us direction until we reach his throne above. He has promised to guard us and guide us every step of the journey.
Take the time today to enjoy the love God has given you. Do not forget that he cares for you, and he is there, ready to help you with the struggles of life. Allow his love to light your pathway, and help you with each and every decision. He has your best interest in mind, and desires to lead you in the light.