Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is begotten of God, and knoweth God.
Love is the test of being born of God and flows from the sense of His love to us. All love springs from God as its fountain, especially His incarnate love; the Father is love, and the Spirit pours love into the heart as its first fruit.
AI summary
The apostle returns to brotherly love with fresh force: those who belong to God and stand for truth must love one another and their faithful ministers, holding fast against error. Love comes from God as His gift and fruit of His Spirit, and it proves regeneration.
AI summary
John commands mutual love among the faithful, not merely the affection we show those who love us back, but the love that marks a son of God. No one can claim to know Him without loving his neighbor; true knowledge of God necessarily produces love in us.
AI summary