1 John 4:16

LOVE’S CROWN

‘God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.’

1 John 4:16

It is a distinction between Christians and all others, that whereas the heathen and unbelieving world knows not or heeds not the Gospel, they who are Christ’s know and believe the love of God, rejoice in its manifestations, and reap its benefits.

I. The fact of God’s love to us.—Our Father in heaven is not only good, bountiful, forbearing, but He is loving.

(a) A wonderful fact. It appears such when we consider how great and holy God is, and when we consider how unworthy we are of the love of such a Being.

(b) A revealed fact. Revelation is largely occupied with the declaration of this fact. There has been revelation in words, in the dispensations which Divine wisdom has established, in the interpositions which Divine grace has effected on behalf of men.

(c) A proved fact. Deeds confirm declarations. Love, as an emotion, is in the heart of God; but it has been evidenced supremely in the gift of His only and beloved Son. No proof so convincing as this could possibly have been given. He who believes the Gospel cannot doubt the love of God.

II. The experimental knowledge of this love.—The love is a fact; but to know and believe this fact is the distinguishing privilege of the Christian.

(a) Observe the terms in which this experimental acquaintance with Divine love is described. ‘Knowledge’ and ‘belief’ are terms which indicate the personal appropriation and appreciation of this incomparable love of God.

(b) Observe who are the possessors of this knowledge. ‘We’ in this passage must be understood to signify not simply the Apostles and their colleagues, but all who are taught by the Spirit and truly receive the good tidings concerning the Lord Jesus.

III. The fruits and evidences of such acquaintance with the love of God.—Such experience cannot be without influence upon the heart and life.

(a) Love is the great response to love. ‘We love Him because He first loved us.’

(b) Obedience is the most convincing proof of love. In fact, God has revealed His love in order to impart to men the highest and purest motive to accept and obey His law.

(c) Testimony to that love will be the natural expression of grateful affection. The Christian regards it as his privilege, and feels it to be the impulse of the Spirit of Love within him, to bear witness to the love which God hath, and which He revealed through His Son.

Illustration

‘Only think for a moment what it is to have this indwelling of God in your own hearts. What a fountain is within us of holiness and happiness and strength. What an exceeding thing it is—what an assurance of our election—what a warrant of prayer—what a pleasant foretaste of eternal life and happiness! To carry God not only with you but within you, wherever you go; to feel and know that He is there; to be sure of it by the feeling of your conscience, which is working there to make you love everybody and everything as His child—what more could you wish? It is the insignia of the child of the King of kings—the royalty of heaven—the crown! And because it is the badge of Sonship, and the Father’s likeness, therefore it makes you so love that all else is a nonentity.’