1 John·Chapter 4

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on how much you are loved. Write down a few ways you can live that love out—maybe it’s showing kindness to someone, reaching out to a friend in need, or simply expressing gratitude. Think about how you can share that love with others, just like God did for you. You could even tell someone in your life how much they mean to you. It’s practical, and it’s a way of living out this incredible truth that you are loved and called to love others.

Chapter Context

To understand this moment, think about what's been building up in the chapter. The writer is talking about love—real, practical love. Earlier, he reminds us about recognizing and showing love to others. Then, bam! He hits us with this amazing truth: God showed His love by sending His Son! It’s like the climax of a story where everything comes together. After this verse, the writer continues to explain how this love transforms us, encouraging us to pass it on. This isn't just a nice thought; it’s a pivotal moment that changes everything about how we relate to God and each other.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• in - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• this - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• love - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• god - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• made - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• manifest - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• among - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• us - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• that - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• god - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

How does knowing that God sent His Son for you personally impact the way you view your life and your relationships?

Related Verses

• John 3:16 - This verse echoes the same message about God's love for the world by sending His Son, showing how central this idea is.
• Galatians 2:20 - It talks about living through faith in Jesus, connecting to the idea of living through Him as mentioned in this verse.
• Isaiah 9:6 - Written 700 years before this, it predicts a child who would come to bring hope, showing the long history of God's plan.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in 1 John 4:9. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Verses

1 John 4:1, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:10, 1 John 4:18, 1 John 4:20

Historical Context

1 John was written in a context where early Gnostic teachings were influencing the church, leading some to deny the humanity of Christ. John's epistle addresses these false teachings by affirming the true nature of Jesus as both fully divine and fully human. He emphasizes that genuine believers must test the teachings they encounter, ensuring they align with the core tenets of the Christian faith. The chapter also addresses the implications of God's love in the lives of believers, encouraging them to embody that love in their relationships with one another as a reflection of their relationship with God.