John has been just teaching that loving others is a sign of God abiding in us (v12). This abiding is through the Holy Spirit the third person in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit makes the Father and Son real in our lives (13).

In Holy Spirit abiding in us, as well as producing love, enables us to testify to God’s work of salvation in sending His Son (v14-15). God’s love is known and experienced through the Gospel, through Christ coming to save (v16).

God’s wonderful love prepares us for the Day of Judgment (v17) and drives out fear (v18). Oh how precious is this love? What price could we put on it? Do you know and experience the depth of this love?

The response to knowing this amazing love of God has to be loving God (v19) and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ (v20-21). John is very strong here, those who say they love God but hate their brother, are liars (v20).

There is a terrible inconsistency in claiming to be a Christian and then being filled with bitterness towards others. Does your life give evidence to others, that you know and cherish the redeeming love of Jesus? Pray about this!