1 John 5:1-4

¹ “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the child born of Him. ² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and follow His commandments. ³ For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. ⁴ For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.”

Verse 1: John begins by affirming that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. This belief goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment, but involves a personal trust and reliance on Jesus as the Messiah. Through this belief, we are born of God and become His children. As children of God, we are called to love not only the Father but also our fellow believers, who are His children as well.

Verse 2: John explains that our love for the children of God is demonstrated by our love for God and our obedience to His commands. Our love for others is not based on our own efforts or emotions, but flows from our love for God. As we abide in His love and rely on His Spirit, we are empowered to love others and fulfill His commands.

Verse 3: John emphasizes that love for God is expressed through obedience to His commands. The commands of God are not meant to be burdensome or legalistic requirements, but are expressions of His love and wisdom for our benefit. As we walk in the Spirit and rely on His grace, we find that His commands are not a heavy burden, but a pathway to experiencing the abundant life He has for us.

Verse 4: John declares that everyone who is born of God overcomes the world. This victory over the world is not achieved through our own efforts or striving, but through our faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith in him and His finished work on the cross is what enables us to overcome the world and its influences. It is through our union with Christ that we find victory over the challenges and temptations of the world.