Abiding in the God Who Is Love: 1 John 4:15-16

Abiding in the God Who Is Love

Scripture "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (1 John 4:15–16, ESV)

In these verses, the apostle John brings us to the heart of the Christian life: a mutual, living relationship with God rooted in confession, love, and abiding presence.

Key Greek Words and Their Meaning

1. ὁμολογήσῃ (homologēsē) – from ὁμολογέω (homologeō), meaning "to confess" or "to acknowledge openly." This is not a casual statement but a bold, public declaration of agreement with the truth. In verse 15, John says whoever homologeō that Jesus is the Son of God (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ) experiences God's indwelling. Confession is the doorway to intimacy with God—declaring Jesus' divine identity aligns our words with reality and invites His presence.

2. μένει (menei) – from μένω (menō), meaning "to abide," "remain," or "dwell." This word appears repeatedly (five times in these two verses!), emphasizing a continuous, ongoing state rather than a one-time event. God menei in us, and we menei in Him. It's a reciprocal, enduring union—like branches staying vitally connected to the vine (cf. John 15). Abiding is not striving; it's resting in constant fellowship.

3. ἀγάπη (agapē) – the divine, sacrificial love. John boldly declares ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν ("God is love"—not merely loving, but love itself in essence). This agapē is God's very nature: selfless, unconditional, and active. We come to "know" (ἐγνώκαμεν, egnōkamen – experiential knowledge) and "believe" (πεπιστεύκαμεν, pepisteukamen – ongoing trust) this love God has for us. Then, whoever menei en tē agapē ("abides in love") abides in God Himself.

Reflection These truths are inseparable: Confessing Jesus as Son of God opens the door to abiding in God. Abiding in God means abiding in His agapē. And since God is agapē, living in love is living in Him. This isn't about perfect performance but about remaining connected to the Source of love.

Today, ask yourself:

• Have I openly confessed Jesus as the Son of God—not just in my heart, but in my words and life?

• Am I actively abiding in God's love, letting it shape my thoughts, relationships, and choices?

• Where might fear, busyness, or sin disrupt this menō relationship—and how can I return to resting in Him?

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You that You are agapē—pure, unending love. Help me to boldly homologeō that Jesus is Your Son. Teach me to menō in You and in Your love, so that Your presence dwells richly in me, and I dwell securely in You. May Your love flow through me to others today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Takeaway Verse to Memorize "God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (1 John 4:16b)

Rest in His abiding love today. He remains in you—remain in Him.