By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Here's how you know you actually love God's people: when you love God and follow what he asks you to do. It all connects.
Loving God and loving people aren't separate things, they're a package deal.
📚 Historical Context
The Apostle John wrote his first letter to encourage early Christians who were dealing with false teachers that promoted a distorted view of faith, often downplaying the need for moral obedience. In this context, John emphasizes that true love for fellow believers is evidenced by loving God and keeping His commandments, as a counter to those who claimed spiritual insight without ethical living. This verse is part of a larger discussion in the letter about the marks of authentic faith in a community facing division and deception.
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