1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.… To reply to this inquiry seems to be the specific object of these verses. Contemplating them in this connection, they suggest four evidences. I. The first is THAT WE LOVE GOD. "By this we know," etc. It must seem strange, at first sight, to find the love of God cited as a proof of the love of His people. We would expect rather the reverse order. This too is found to be the usual practice (see 1 John 4:7, 8). At the same time there is a sense in which the love of God ought to be sought in our hearts as a proof of the love of His people. It is one that will readily occur to a mind jealous of itself. It is not unnatural to ask, Does his love of the people of God arise out of the love of God? In this view he might properly seek for the love of God as a proof of the love of the brethren. The least reflection may show the necessity for such an inquiry. Brotherly love, or what appears to be such, may arise from other sources besides the love of God. It may be a natural feeling and not a gracious affection. We may love our kindred, friends, neighbours, benefactors, and yet not love God. It is possible there may be even an active benevolence where this heavenly principle does not exist. It will be asked how is such a subject to be investigated? And we reply in one of two ways, or in both. It may be either by examining whether our deeds of brotherly love are prompted and influenced by the love of God; or by inquiring into the general principle, whether the love of God has ever been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. II. THE PROFESSION OF BROTHERLY LOVE MAY BE TESTED BY OBEDIENCE TO THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. "We know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments." Viewing the subject in the restricted light of the context, the meaning of this test must be, that in our exercises of brotherly love, we are guided by the commandments of God. Assuming this to be the just interpretation, there are two aspects in which our conduct may be contemplated, the one a refusal to do that which God forbids, although it may be desired as an expression of brotherly love, and the other a readiness to exercise it in every way which God has required. III. THE NEXT EVIDENCE OF BROTHERLY LOVE IS AKIN to the second, and may be regarded indeed as a summary of the two already considered, and an extension of their meaning and application. "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." There is great force in the expression, "This is the love of God." This is that in which it consists, by which its existence is manifested, and without which it cannot be. A child obeys his parent because he loves him, and as he loves him. The same may be said of the master and servant, the king and his subjects. If there be not love, uniform and hearty obedience cannot be rendered. In the case of Christ and His people, the claims are peculiarly strong on the one hand, and the obligations specially felt on the other. There is no love so strong as that by which they are bound to one another. It takes precedence of every other. The consequence is, that the love of Christ urges His people to the obedience of every commandment. No matter how trifling it may seem to be, it is enough that He has declared it to be His will. IV. There is one other evidence in the verses before us, but it may almost be regarded as a part of that which has just been noticed. It is SUCH AN APPREHENSION OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD THAT THEY ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE A BURTHEN. "His commandments are not grievous." This saying is universally and absolutely true of the commandments of God in their own nature. They are all "holy, and just, and good." Such, however, is not the sentiment of the ungodly. They consider many of God's commandments to be grievous. We might instance such commands as these — "Whatsoever ye do, whether ye eat or drink, do all to the glory of God," "Abstain from all appearance of evil," "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; your whole spirit, and soul, and body." These are felt to be grievous by the ungodly. No so by the godly: They may not obey them as they would, but they approve of them. 1. The great reason is their love of God. They so love Him that they account nothing which He has commanded grievous. 2. Another reason is that his heart is in the service itself. He likes it. Prayer and holiness are agreeable to him. They are not a drudgery, but a delight. 3. He forms, moreover, the habit of obedience, and this greatly confirms his desire for it. The more he practises it, the better he finds it. 4. Besides, the Holy Spirit helps his infirmities, and furthers his labours. 5. And we may add, he is animated by the prospect of a rich reward. (J. Morgan, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.WEB: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. |
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