A Key Definition

(1Jn 4:8 KJV)  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

 This is a proclamation about God that deserves to be trumpeted more often.  We have a simple statement, repeated in verse 16, that “God” (2316) is “love” (25) [agape].  It is important for us to understand this in order to understand God.  

This is agape love.  It is a special category in the New Testament.  It summarizes all of the attributes of God and gives them a context.  We need to be careful that we do not limit God by having a false understanding of what agape is.  It is not Hollywood love.  It is not warm fuzzy love.  It is not an emotion.  It is a decision.  It is a condition.  It is something that not only helps us understand God but reminds us of the kind of person we are supposed to be.

So?  Spend some time thinking about the Biblical definition of love.  Maybe you could get out a concordance and do a word study.  Be one who knows God because you love.