In 1 John 4, John teaches believers to test spiritual teachings to see whether they come from God. True teaching will always acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. False teachings come from the “spirit of the antichrist.”

John then emphasizes the central theme: God is love. Because God loved us first and sent His Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins, believers are called to love one another.

Perfect love drives out fear, especially the fear of judgment. A person cannot claim to love God while hating others; loving fellow believers is proof that we truly love God.

Core message: True believers recognize the truth about Jesus and reflect God’s nature by loving others.