I John 4  John wants his readers of this letter to "KNOW" the Truth..  he wants us to know this great love that the Father has given us...so that we can live the kind of life that we should live as children of God.  John wants us to know that love is a key part, a vital part... of this life in Christ Jesus.. for it was love that brought Jesus to earth so that we might have life.. eternal life. 

John teaches that a life changed by the love of God will love others.  In this way, we keep the commandments of God.   As we believe in the name of Jesus Christ and abide in His Spirit we become more like our Savior.. able to truly love others. 

John says that we need to "test the spirits".. to discern the truth about Jesus in whom we believe. We need to listen only to those voices that proclaim that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, that He is the Son of God, that He has overcome the world, and that He has given us this great love from the Father.  

We need to discern what this true love from the Father looks like.. for this love comes from God and no other source.  "By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him." (v9)  There is no other love like this!  A love that gave all.. a Son who left His throne in glory and stepped into the form of a baby.. a child who grew up to become the Lamb that was slain.. " the propitiation for our sins."  

This is the type of love that the children of God have been given and must give.. an abiding love, a perfect love, a fearless love.. a generous.. practical.. and abundant love. 

Father, fill us with Your love. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear.. open our hearts and our mouths.. to receive this amazing love and to be obedient children who truly love one another in word and in deed.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.