1 John 4:7 (ESV) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. A message to the church about those in the church. A message to believers about other believers. Whoever truly loves “their brother and sister in Christ” not only is born of God but also “knows God.” The word love used here is agape meaning giving, sacrificial, expecting nothing in return. This love in its pure form only comes from God. The church should be recognizable by it love for one another. This is not a virtue innate in us nor is it learned behavior. It is “from God.” He is the originator—the giver of love. Because love has its origin in God, those who belong to God should demonstrate love in their relations with one another. This is the proof we have been born of God.