God's Love the Pattern for Our Love
S. Martin. 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. "If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." 1. Because ignorance of what God means by love must now be wilful. 2. Because doubt and uncertainty as to the objects of love are forever excluded. 3. Because the power of love to conquer obstacles and impediments is, in God's case, most gloriously shown. 4. Because the restoration of love between man and man is one of God's objects in that redemption which so proves His love for us. 5. Because we are required to be followers of God as dear children. 6. Because love on our part must be pleasing to God. 7. Because "hereby we express our love towards God." (S. Martin.) Parallel Verses KJV: Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. WEB: Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.