The full joy that we long for is found by abiding in God’s love. It’s found by loving others the way Jesus did. Jesus died willingly on the cross for us and our benefit. Jesus’ love is an unconditional, covenant love. According to Jesus’ version of love, “if” is never part of the equation. It’s always a matter of “how.” John is calling us to obedience and to love like Jesus. The question we need to ask is, “How do I love someone, not if?”