Love leads to fellowship

Excerpt

In 5:1–5 John emphasizes the place of love in fellowship. He links love to faith (5:6–17; Ps. 85:10–11) in cyclical thought. Right belief and right conduct go together (v. 1). The one who believes the truth that Jesus is the divine Messiah (2:22; 4:2, 14–15; 5:5) gives evidence that he has been regenerated. Such faith also means love for both the divine Parent and the child born from him (a universal principle). Faith, doing right (2:29; 3:9–10), and love (4:7) are evidences of birth from God. Verse 2 argues the reverse of 3:14–15, 17–19; 4:20. We know personally that we are loving God’s children when we love God and practice his commands (to love and believe, 3:23). Love for God proves our love for others. Both loves are essential and interwoven. “Love for God” (v. 3) is defined as obedience: keeping his commands. The nature of his commands, though exacting, is not oppressive (Matt. 11:30). There is divine enablement (v. 4). Birth from God overcomes the evil world. The victory which overcame historically is Christ’s, won at the cross (John 16:33). The believer’s faith enables him to share in Christ’s victory. Verse 5 restates verse 4 as a question. The one who conquers the evil world is he who believes. The victory achieved historically by Christ is constantly appropriated by keeping faith that Jesus is God’s Son (2:22–23; 4:15). By faith his victory becomes ours. More

Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Commentary on the Bible. Vol. 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995. Print. Baker Reference Library.