1 John 4:8

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

The person who does not love [others] does not know God [as Savior], for [the very nature of] God is love.

Cross References

1 John 4:16

And we have known [with certainty] and have believed [with assurance] that God has truly loved us. God’s [very nature] is love and the person who [continually] loves [Him and others] lives in [fellowship with] God [continually], and God [continually] lives in that person’s heart.

1 John 4:7

Loved ones, we should have love for one another, because love comes from [the very nature of] God, and every person who [continually] loves [others] has been [spiritually] conceived by God [See 2:29; 3:9], and knows [he is in fellowship with] God.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers, good-bye [or, “be glad”]. Be fully restored [spiritually]. Be comforted [or, “exhort one another”]. Think alike on things. Be at peace among yourselves. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Ephesians 2:4

But God, who has great love for us and abundant mercy [toward us],

1 John 1:5

And this is the message we heard from Him, and [now want to] announce to you: God is light [i.e. righteousness] and in His [very nature] there is no trace of darkness [i.e., evil].

1 John 3:6

No person who lives in [fellowship with] Christ will continue living a sinful life; the one who keeps on sinning [however], has not seen Him or known Him [as his personal Savior].

1 John 2:9

The person who claims to be living in [harmony with] the light [i.e., by obeying God’s truth], and [yet] hates his brother is still [living] in the darkness [of sin].

1 John 2:4

The person who says, “I have come to know Him,” but does not obey what He commands, is lying [by such a profession], and the truth [about the matter] is not in his heart.

Hebrews 12:29

for our God is truly a consuming fire.

1 John 3:10

Here is how the children of God and the children of the devil can be recognized: All those who do not continue to do what is right do not belong to God. Also, the person who does not continue to love his brother [or sister does not belong to God].