True Christian love flows from God and is expressed in how we sacrificially love one another as a reflection of His love for us.

• God is the source and definition of true love: Love flows from God’s nature; to know God is to love others (vv. 7–8).
• God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus: The ultimate proof of God’s love is Christ’s sacrificial death for our sins (vv. 9–10).
• We are called to love one another in response: Because God loved us, we must love others; this love makes God visible in us (vv. 11–12, 19).
• Perfect love gives believers confidence, not fear: Mature love casts out fear of judgment and gives assurance of salvation (vv. 17–18).
• Genuine love for God must be shown in love for others: Claiming to love God while hating others is false; love is God’s command (vv. 20–21).

L.O.V.E.

• L — Live in the Light of God's Love: "In this the love of God was manifested... that we might live through Him." (vv. 9-10)
• O — Overflow with Love for Others: "Beloved, let us love one another... he who loves God must love his brother also." (vv. 7, 11, 21)
• V — Verify Your Faith Through Love: "If we love one another, God abides in us..." "He who abides in love abides in God..." (vv. 12, 16)
• E — Erase Fear by Abiding in Perfect Love: "Perfect love casts out fear..." (vv. 17–18)