John begins this chapter with heartfelt counsel urging discernment in the community of faith:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, New International Version)
The word “test” here (Greek: δοκιμάζω, dokimazō) is an intriguing term used in metallurgy—assessing precious metals to determine their purity. John calls Christians to active discernment, not passive gullibility. This warning would have resonated deeply within the first-century church, confronted with a multitude of spiritual teachings, philosophies, and prophetic claims, including Gnosticism-like heresies denying Christ’s incarnation.
The litmus test John presents revolves around Christ’s true identity as fully divine and fully human—“Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2, NIV). Remember, the ancient Greco-Roman world was not hostile to spiritual or divine claims in general; rather, the specific teaching of Christ’s true humanity and divinity—the divine Logos becoming a flesh-and-blood human being—was shockingly counter-cultural and considered foolishness by Greek philosophy (1 Corinthians 1:23).
Historically, theologians such as Athanasius and later Cyril of Alexandria reinforced this affirmation of Christ’s incarnation against various heresies. Early church councils—like Nicaea (A.D. 325) and Chalcedon (A.D. 451)—crystallized these truths to safeguard the church from error. Such discernment remains essential, for even today divergent teachings may subtly distort Christ’s identity and diminish His saving work.
After guidance on discerning truth, John pivots beautifully to love as the heart of Christian theology, ethics, and identity:
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7, New International Version)
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4:16, NIV)
His eloquent simplicity proclaims one of the greatest theological statements in the Scriptures: “God is love.” Love is not merely an action or attribute of God—rather, love belongs to His very essence, inseparable from His nature. The Greek word used here, agapē (ἀγάπη), denotes unconditional, sacrificial love rooted in choice rather than emotion alone. Agape love contrasts deeply with Greek terms like philia (friendship affection), eros (romantic desire), or storge (family devotion). Agapē describes sacrificial, intentional, committed love—a love supremely demonstrated at the cross.
John directly connects this theology of love with the incarnation, reiterating (verses 9-10) that the supreme act of divine love was sending Christ as an atoning sacrifice—using again that significant Greek word “ἱλασμός” (hilasmos—atoning, propitiatory sacrifice). God’s self-giving love was dramatically shown through Christ’s death for undeserving humanity (Romans 5:8).
Historically, Augustine beautifully reiterated this concept: “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love.” Likewise, the Puritan Thomas Watson noted, “Love is God’s very nature; it is not ab extra (from outside) but ab intra (from within).” This foundational affirmation shapes how believers live, relate, and understand their identity as children beloved by a compassionate and pursuing God.
Having established the foundation of divine love, John now emphasizes our assurance through abiding in that love. Notice how verse 18 beautifully describes the transformation genuine love brings:
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” (1 John 4:18, NIV)
The Greek phrase “perfect love” (τελεία ἀγάπη, teleia agapē) implies love brought to completion or full maturity. Mature Christian understanding knows it no longer stands under God’s condemnation. Believers anchored in Christ’s redemptive love live confidently—not in anxiety or dread—before the judgment and holiness of God.
This message addressed a deep-seated fear in ancient minds: the dread of judgment and punishment. Many ancient religions were marked by appeasement and fear, their worship driven primarily by anxious attempts to placate unpredictable gods. By contrast, John’s message brings liberation and assurance—God’s character, defined by love, ultimately dispels fear and invites relational confidence before Him.
Historically, Martin Luther powerfully addressed this insecurity spiritually tormented souls experience, teaching believers that Christ’s righteousness freely covers them, removing condemnation and fear. John Wesley likewise experienced this profound transition, famously feeling his heart “strangely warmed,” realizing Christ died “for me personally”—leading him from fear-induced religious performance to love-driven discipleship.
John concludes by linking our experience of God’s love to the undeniable necessity of loving our brothers and sisters in Christ:
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.” (1 John 4:20, NIV)
Here we encounter John’s typically blunt style of pastoral encouragement. Reflecting profoundly Hebraic thinking, where genuine devotion to God invariably manifests itself in practical care (Micah 6:8), John insists Christian love necessarily translates into visible, relational expressions toward fellow believers. For John, love’s abstract claims remain insufficient, insincere, even deceptive, unless validated in community.
Ancient church communities demonstrated this dimension vividly. Archaeological excavations reveal early Christian burial inscriptions repeatedly emphasizing virtues of love in community life—generosity, hospitality to strangers, care for widows and orphans. Their witness proclaimed loudly that genuine faith visibly impacts relationships and transforms communities.
Father in Heaven, You have revealed Yourself as love—sacrificial, steadfast, and enduring. Lead us deeply into a tested discernment of Your truth in Jesus. Anchor our hearts unshakably in Your perfect love, casting away our fears and insecurities. Move us beyond mere confession toward authentic practice; help us demonstrate selfless love concretely toward our brothers and sisters, as Christ Himself loved us. Grant us humble diligence to build loving communities, radiant with Your grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.