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What does 1 John 4:7 mean?

Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 - Modern Text Bible

(John calls for genuine love among believers, saying that real love is evidence of a relationship with God.)

Real love comes from God—it’s not just a human feeling or effort, but something rooted in God’s own character. The verse claims that anyone who truly loves shows a connection to God, because love is God’s defining trait. The Greek word for "love" is agapē, meaning a self-giving, unconditional kind of care that goes beyond emotion or attraction.

This challenges both ancient and modern ideas that love is just about romance, family, or friendship. Instead, it’s about a way of relating that puts others first, even when it’s costly. In a world that often treats love as something you fall into or out of, this verse says love is a choice and a reflection of something deeper than ourselves.

If you’ve ever wondered what real love looks like, or if it’s even possible, this verse points to a source outside of ourselves. It’s not about being perfect or always feeling loving—it’s about drawing on a deeper well. When you choose to care for others, even when it’s hard, you’re tapping into the kind of love that comes from God. That’s the kind of love that changes lives, one choice at a time.