The word love is used 46 times in 1 John (ESV and NIV). Though not used in chapter 1, it is used multiple times in chapters 2-5. What should we love? What shouldn't we love?
Dec 3, 2009
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"Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
ReplyDeleteThe "love of the Father" is self-giving. We understand this because "God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him"(4.9).
If the "love of God" is in us, we will give of ourselves sacrificially, rather than selfishly taking like "the world" (2.16).
Do we love selfish taking, or selfless giving?
Nathan - I'm wondering if John uses the same word for "love" throughout the book - like Philos or Agape, or does he use different forms at different times?
ReplyDeleteSorry, I didn't get back to you sooner. It is 'Agape' all the way through.
ReplyDeleteSo in 2.15, Do not 'agape' the world. For if you 'agape' the world, the 'agape' of the Father is not in you (2.15).
Remember that 'agape' is just a general word for love - as opposed to a specific word like "self-sacrifice", "lust" or "friendship". To see this check out Luke 11.42-11:43. God's love is described by the word 'agape' and so is the Pharisee's 'agape' of the most important seats in the synagogue. 'Agape' is just like our word for 'love' - it is a big container that can be filled with a lot of different meanings. The context tells you what the word means. I know this is contrary to a lot of popular preaching - but popular preachers don't always do their Greek homework.
"Beloved" (2.7; 3.2; 3.21; 4.1; 4.7; 4.11 ESV) "Dear frieds" in the NIV... But the word is the noun form of 'agape'.
ReplyDeleteDo you love the folk? Do you love those in the church with you? John can refer to his people as "beloved", because he deeply loves them and knows that when they are right with God their joy and his joy will be complete (1.4).