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By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Surprising Test for Love
Commentators note that this verse offers a surprising test. While other passages say loving people proves our love for God, this verse says the reverse: loving God and obeying His commands is how we know our love for fellow believers is genuine. This test distinguishes true spiritual love from mere friendship or natural affection, ensuring it flows from God as its source.
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Book Overview
1 John
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18th Century
Presbyterian
By this we know that we love the children of God, etc. This is repeating the same truth in another form. "As it is universally true that i…
Hereby (εν τουτω). John's usual phrase for the test of the sincerity of our love. "The love of God and the love of the brethren do…
19th Century
Anglican
FAITH THE TEST OF LOVE (1 John 5:1–12)
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Baptist
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his co…
This statement troubles commentators because it reverses what is expected. One anticipates a conclusion like this: “And this is how we know that we…
16th Century
Protestant
By this we know. In these words, he briefly shows what true love is: that is, love directed towards God. He has until now taught us that t…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
By this we know that we are the children God The Ethiopic version reads, "by this know that we love God"; which, in …
True love for the people of God may be distinguished from natural kindness or party attachments by its union with the love of God and obedience to …
