1 John 4:16 – 4:16 – “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him”.
Have you ever met someone whose kindness immediately puts you at ease? Someone who listens carefully, shows genuine interest in your life, and makes you feel valued simply by being present. Good friends have a way of doing that. They welcome us warmly, give us their attention, and remind us that we matter. In their presence, we feel seen, heard, and understood.
In many ways, this gives us a glimpse of what God is like.
God is not distant or indifferent. He listens. He understands the deepest parts of our hearts. He cares about every detail of our lives and responds with patience, kindness, and compassion. But God’s love goes even further than the love of the best friend we could imagine. Scripture tells us something remarkable: God does not merely show love; He is love.
Love is not simply something God chooses to do from time to time; it is His very nature. Everything He does flows from this perfect love. His love is pure, steady, and unwavering. It is never selfish, cold, resentful, or distant. It does not fluctuate based on our performance or circumstances. Because of this, we can trust Him completely.
In 1 John 4:16, we are given a powerful invitation:
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
Notice the two beautiful words in that verse: know and rely. God’s desire is not only that we hear about His love but that we truly know it and confidently depend on it. His love is meant to be the foundation on which we build our lives.
Think about how you feel after spending time with a good friend who genuinely cares about you. Your heart feels lighter. Your worries seem smaller. You may even walk away with renewed strength and courage. Being loved has a way of restoring our perspective.
Living in God’s love creates a similar, but even deeper, transformation. When we become aware of His constant care and affection, our hearts begin to rest. Fear loses its grip. Hope grows stronger. We begin to see ourselves the way God sees us: valued, cherished, and deeply loved.
And something beautiful happens next: that love begins to flow outward.
When we experience God’s love personally, it naturally shapes the way we treat others. Kindness becomes easier. Patience grows. Compassion deepens. Just as a stone dropped into water creates ripples, the love we receive from God spreads through our lives and touches the people around us.
This is the life we are invited into: a life rooted in the assurance that God loves us. Not occasionally, not conditionally, but constantly.
Today, take a moment to reflect on that truth. Pause long enough to recognise the love God has for you. Let it settle into your heart. As you begin to know and rely on His love, you will discover that it changes the way you live, the way you see yourself, and the way you love others. Living in God’s love changes everything.
Amen.
KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
God’s love reflects His very nature:
He doesn’t simply act lovingly; love is who He is.
We are invited to know and rely on God’s love:
His love is meant to be the secure foundation of our lives.
God listens and cares deeply about us:
He understands our hearts and responds with compassion.
Experiencing God’s love brings peace and courage:
When we feel loved, our hearts grow lighter and stronger.
God’s love transforms how we see ourselves:
We begin to live with confidence, knowing we are valued and cherished.
God’s love naturally flows through us to others:
When we receive His love, it creates a ripple effect of kindness and compassion
