In John’s first letter, the phrase “we know” pops up several times. Over the past few days, we noticed verses where John teaches us what we know through obedience. There is another key theme John develops along the lines of our knowledge—love. In 3:14, John says, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” Two verses later, we read, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
When we know the Lord And what He’s done for us, we know true love. But understanding love isn’t academic—it’s transforming. If we have indeed known the love of Christ, then we will love the Lord and others. We know we serve God when we obey his commandments, and God commands that we love one another.