Main Idea. The unseen God reveals His love in Christ and through His people.

Driving Question. Why ought we to love one another?

Three reasons why we should:

1.Because God is love (vv. 7–8)

2. Because God revealed His love by sending His Son (vv. 9–10)

Two aspects of God’s love in Christ:

A. God manifested His love by sending His Son (9).

B. God defined His love by giving His Son as a propitiation (10).

Application.

Recognize God’s [type] of love.

Receive God’s love for you in Christ.

3. Because God’s love now abides in us and is perfected through us (vv. 11–12)

Takeaways.

The Triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) is the source of Christian love.