Bible Chapter - 1 John 4

1 John 4 is a chapter from the New Testament of the Bible that focuses on the themes of love and discernment of truth. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's love and the need for believers to reflect that love in their lives.

1. Test the Spirits (Verses 1–6):
John begins by encouraging believers to "test the spirits" to determine whether they are from God. This is a call to discernment, as many false prophets have gone out into the world. The distinguishing mark of the Spirit of God is the acknowledgment that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Those who deny this truth are of the spirit of the antichrist. Believers are reassured that they are from God and have overcome false teachings because "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world".

2. God Is Love (Verses 7–21):
John shifts to the central message of the chapter: God's nature as love. He exhorts believers to love one another because love comes from God. The famous verse, 1 John 4:8, states, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." John explains that God showed His love by sending His Son as a sacrifice for humanity's sins. Since God loves us, we should also love one another.

3. Perfect Love Drives Out Fear (Verses 17–18): John speaks about how love is made complete among believers. He says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment". When we live in God's love, fear loses its power over us.

4.Love and God's Command (Verses 19–21):
The chapter ends by reiterating that our love for others is rooted in God's love for us. "We love because he first loved us". John reminds the readers that claiming to love God while hating a brother or sister is inconsistent and hypocritical. Loving others is a command from God and an expression of true faith.