Definition: And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 1 John 4:16 together! Here's what it means in simple terms: Essentially, this verse is saying: "We know and believe the love God has for us." This is the core of it. It’s not just thinking about God's love; we know it and genuinely feel it. “God is love.” This is a fundamental truth in Christianity – God isn't just powerful or good, but He is love. It means God loves us unconditionally, without any condition. "And he who dwells in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." This is the key part that connects it all. Let’s unpack it: “He who dwells in love”: This refers to those who have a relationship with God through faith – someone who truly loves Him. “Dwelleth in God”: This means they are within God's presence and understanding. “God in him”: This is like saying "God lives within the person." It emphasizes that God’s love isn't just a feeling; it’s actively present, transforming them. Putting it all together: It means that when we have a genuine relationship with God, we are already experiencing His love. This love makes us part of God and allows us to truly know and believe in God. It’s like being drawn into God's heart – you’re not just observing Him; you’re in Him! In a nutshell: We experience God’s love through faith, and that faith brings us closer to God, allowing us to understand and truly believe in His goodness and loving nature. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: Its meaning in a particular context (like relationships)? How it relates to other Bible passages? What it means for our lives?