I wonder how John’s readers felt about all his writing about love. Jesus had been crucified by the Romans and there was fierce opposition toward those who chose to follow Jesus. It was not an atmosphere conducive to warm and fuzzy feelings. Still like a dog with a bone, John reiterates this theme. God is unseen but if we love Him, we love the Son and must love our brother. The overcomer is born of God, lives by faith and overcomes the world.
Born of God
John states, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” If you love God then you also love His Son. Loving our brother is the natural flow of His Life in us. That is how we know we love God’s children. His life, His essence of love is active in us.
Lives by Faith
The victory to overcome the world is by our faith. I think of the old hymn we love to sing, Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Our faith gives us the power to overcome the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Our allegiance is to one unseen.
Overcomes the World
How do we know of our love for God? It shows when we love others. His command is to love. “His commandments are not burdensome,” writes John. Perhaps he considered the words of Jesus, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Love God by loving others, and your faith in God will enable Him to do the heavy lifting.
The overcomer is born of God, lives by faith and overcomes the world.