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How Do We Know and Rely on Jehovah’s Love?

1 John 4:16 states, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” This verse highlights the central truth that Jehovah’s nature is defined by love, and those who truly follow Him must live in accordance with that love. It teaches that understanding and trusting in Jehovah’s love is essential for a strong relationship with Him, and it calls for believers to reflect His love in their daily lives.

The first part of the verse, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us,” emphasizes both intellectual and experiential knowledge of Jehovah’s love. The word “know” (ginóskó in Greek) signifies more than just awareness—it implies a deep, personal understanding gained through experience. Believers do not merely acknowledge that Jehovah is loving; they have experienced His love firsthand. This truth is echoed in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jehovah’s love is not abstract—it is demonstrated through His actions, especially in providing the means for salvation.

To “rely on” Jehovah’s love means to trust in it completely. Many people struggle with doubt, wondering if Jehovah truly cares for them, but this verse reassures believers that His love is constant and unchanging. Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms, “Because of Jehovah’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Jehovah’s love is dependable, and those who trust in it find strength, security, and peace.

The next statement, “God is love,” is one of the most profound declarations in Scripture. It does not merely say that Jehovah has love or that He shows love—He is love. His very nature is defined by perfect, righteous, and selfless love. This does not mean that Jehovah is only love—He is also just, holy, and righteous—but His love is foundational to all His actions. Everything He does is guided by love, whether in providing for His people, offering salvation, or disciplining those who go astray.

The final part of 1 John 4:16 states, “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” This reinforces the idea that those who are truly in fellowship with Jehovah must reflect His love in their own lives. Jesus emphasized this 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.” True followers of Jehovah are identified not by empty religious rituals but by their genuine love for others.

Living in love does not mean tolerating sin or compromising truth. Rather, it means demonstrating kindness, patience, and righteousness in accordance with Jehovah’s commands. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes this kind of love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This is the love that reflects Jehovah’s character.

Ultimately, 1 John 4:16 teaches that knowing and trusting in Jehovah’s love transforms a person’s life. Those who abide in His love will reflect His nature, demonstrating kindness, righteousness, and faithfulness in all they do. By remaining in His love, believers find true security, peace, and purpose, knowing that Jehovah’s love is eternal and unchanging.

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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).