Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

How Should We Love One Another as Jehovah Has Loved Us?

The Nature of True, Godly Love

In 1 John 4:11, the apostle John writes, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” This verse is a profound reminder that the love Jehovah has shown toward humanity is not just something to be admired or received—it is something that must be reflected in our relationships with others. The love John speaks of is not a shallow emotion or a passing feeling but a deliberate, sacrificial, and action-oriented love. It is modeled after the love Jehovah displayed in giving his Son as an atonement for sin (1 John 4:10).

Jehovah’s love is steadfast and unchanging. Unlike human love, which often depends on circumstances or emotions, Jehovah’s love is rooted in his perfect nature. This is emphasized in 1 John 4:8, which states, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Love is not merely one of Jehovah’s attributes—it is central to who he is. Because of this, those who claim to follow him must demonstrate this same kind of love in their lives.

Jesus echoed this command when he told his disciples in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The distinguishing mark of true followers of Jehovah is not merely their knowledge, doctrine, or religious practices, but their love. Without love, even the most diligent acts of service or the most profound theological insights are meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

The Sacrificial Nature of True Love

Jehovah’s love is not passive but active. It is seen in his willingness to give what is most precious for the benefit of others. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This love was not deserved; it was freely given. If Jehovah’s love had been based on human worthiness, no one would have received it. This teaches that true, godly love does not wait until the recipient is deserving—it is given even when undeserved.

Because of this, believers are called to imitate Jehovah’s sacrificial love in their own lives. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This is the kind of love John speaks of in 1 John 4:11. It is a love that puts others first, that seeks the well-being of others above self-interest, and that mirrors the humility and selflessness of Jesus.

This sacrificial love is further emphasized in 1 John 3:16, which states, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” While most believers will not be called to physically lay down their lives, this verse points to a daily, continual self-sacrifice—putting aside personal desires, pride, and comfort for the sake of others.

Loving Even When It Is Difficult

Loving others is easy when they are kind, appreciative, and loving in return. But Jehovah’s love is most powerfully displayed in how he loves even those who are ungrateful and undeserving. Jesus taught this principle in Luke 6:32-36:

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that… But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

This kind of love is supernatural; it is not based on human strength or willpower but on the power of Jehovah working through the believer. Romans 12:20-21 reinforces this by saying, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Loving in this way is not about excusing sin or ignoring wrongdoing, but about showing the same mercy and patience that Jehovah has shown.

Love in Action

Love is not merely a feeling but an action. Many claim to love others, yet their actions reveal otherwise. 1 John 3:18 says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” True love is demonstrated in service, generosity, and selfless concern for others.

One of the greatest ways to show love is through kindness and hospitality. Galatians 6:10 urges, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Love is shown in everyday acts—helping those in need, offering encouragement, showing patience in difficult situations, and treating others with respect and honor.

Another practical way love is demonstrated is through forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 states, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Holding grudges and seeking revenge are contrary to Jehovah’s love. Instead, believers are called to extend the same grace that they have received.

Love as the Fulfillment of Jehovah’s Commandments

The call to love is not just an optional virtue—it is the very foundation of Jehovah’s commandments. Romans 13:8-10 states, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

All of Jehovah’s commands are rooted in love. Obedience to his Word is not about following a list of rules but about living in a way that reflects his character. When believers love as Jehovah loves, they naturally live righteously because love seeks the good of others and rejects sin.

Conclusion

1 John 4:11 reminds believers that Jehovah’s love is not just something to be received but something to be demonstrated in daily life. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and rooted in action, not just words. It is a love that extends even to enemies, that forgives offenses, that puts others before self, and that seeks the good of all. Since Jehovah has loved his people with an immeasurable love, his followers must, in turn, love one another with that same divine love. By doing so, they reflect the very nature of Jehovah and fulfill his greatest commandment.

You May Also Enjoy

How Can a Believer Grow Spiritually According to the Scriptures?

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).