The Test of Love

1 John 4:7-21

1 John 4:1-6:

Believe Not Every Spirit

Test the Spirits

This Week:

The Test

He that Loves is born of God

He that does not Love, does not know God

The Main text is 1 John 4:20–21 “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

What is Love?

Paul says, 1 Corinthians 13:4–13 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

Jesus says,

Matthew 5:43–48 KJV 1900

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:27–36 KJV 1900

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Here John says,

We love them even if they don’t love us

We love them first - 1 John 4:10-11.

We love them sacrificially 1 John 4:11.

In fact John introduces us to 5 reasons why Christians are to Love.

Because God is the essence of Love (1 Jn. 4:8)

To follow the supreme example of God’s sacrificial Love (1 Jn. 4:9)

Because Love is the heart of the Christian witness (1 Jn. 4:12)

Because Love is the Christian assurance (1 Jn. 4:13-16)

Because Love is the Christian’s confidence in judgment (1 Jn. 4:17-20)

What Love isn’t!?

The opposite of what Paul taught

The opposite of what Christ taught

The opposite of what John is teaching

The opposite of what Scripture teaches

Application

Love Through Action, Not Just Words – John makes it clear that love isn't just something we say but something we live. Demonstrate love—whether through acts of kindness, forgiveness, or generosity—especially toward those who might be difficult to love.

Love Without Exception – Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5 and Luke 6 emphasize loving even our enemies. Reflect on areas in your lives where love is lacking. Whether it's a strained relationship, workplace conflict, or past hurt, remember that loving others—even when it's undeserved—is the mark of one who truly knows God.

Love as a Reflection of God – 1 John 4:7–8 reminds us that love is the very essence of God. If we claim to know Him, our love for others must reflect His character—patient, kind, and sacrificial. Examine your daily interactions and strive to be living testimonies of God's love.