By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse flips our usual thinking: instead of proving our love for God by loving his kids, John says the proof we love God and follow him is our love for his children. It’s a powerful reminder that genuine faith isn't just inward affection, but outward action that naturally flows from our connection to God.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is writing to reassure believers about their salvation and how to distinguish true faith from false. He's just explained that Jesus is the Son of God and that believing in Him is the key to eternal life, so now he's shifting to the practical outworking of that faith—how we demonstrate our love for God and, consequently, our love for His children. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where he'll continue to explore the certainty of salvation through Jesus and the assurance that comes from obedience and love for fellow believers.
How do you know if your faith is real? John gives us a powerful, practical test.
John connects our love for God directly to our love for His people. It's not just about feelings; it's about action and obedience.
The Two Sides of True Love
This verse highlights a crucial interconnectedness:
John doesn't separate these two. They are two sides of the same coin. You can't genuinely claim to love God if you're indifferent or hostile towards those He calls His own.
Are your actions backing up your affections for God? John points to a surprising indicator.
It's easy to say 'I love God.' But John makes it clear that true love isn't just a warm fuzzy feeling; it's demonstrated through obedience.
The Commandment Connection
Jesus said in John 14:15, 'If you love me, keep my commands.' John echoes this sentiment here. Obeying God's commandments isn't a burden; it's a sign of our love and commitment.
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Understand the original words
entolē · Greek Noun
The divine laws or instructions given by God for His people to follow, serving as a reflection of His moral character and a standard for righteous living for those in relationship with Him.
Jesus himself links loving him directly to keeping his commands, echoing the idea that true love is demonstrated through obedience.
1 John 4:20-21This passage highlights that loving God and loving others (our brothers and sisters in Christ) are inseparable, reinforcing the core theme of 1 John 5:2.
Matthew 22:37-39Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandments shows that loving God and loving your neighbor are the foundational principles of all the law and the prophets.
Romans 8:5-8Paul contrasts the mindset of the flesh with the mindset of the Spirit, emphasizing that those controlled by the Spirit are focused on God's will and commands, which is a key aspect of loving God.
This verse flips our usual thinking: instead of proving our love for God by loving his kids, John says the proof we love God and follow him is our love for his children. It’s a powerful reminder that genuine faith isn't just inward affection, but outward action that naturally flows from our connection to God.
John is writing to reassure believers about their salvation and how to distinguish true faith from false. He's just explained that Jesus is the Son of God and that believing in Him is the key to eternal life, so now he's shifting to the practical outworking of that faith—how we demonstrate our love for God and, consequently, our love for His children. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where he'll continue to explore the certainty of salvation through Jesus and the assurance that comes from obedience and love for fellow believers.
John is writing to reassure believers about their salvation and how to distinguish true faith from false. He's just explained that Jesus is the Son of God and that believing in Him is the key to eternal life, so now he's shifting to the practical outworking of that faith—how we demonstrate our love for God and, consequently, our love for His children. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where he'll continue to explore the certainty of salvation through Jesus and the assurance that comes from obedience and love for fellow believers.
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments." — This verse flips our usual thinking: instead of proving our love for God by loving his kids, John says the proof we love God and follow him is our love for his children. It’s a powerful reminder…
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Last reviewed October 2026