1 John 4:16a

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

(v16a, NIV)

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

(v16a, ESV)

I was so struck by the word "rely" when first reading this verse. However, I soon came to realize that other translations did not have this word. Instead, "believe" is used in the ESV translation. Apparently, looking it up on blue letter bible proves that both are acceptable according to the definition, if that is enough proof for you. There is no dispute on the word "know" from these two translations. We come to know the love that God has for us. He has revealed it to us and shown us his love. In addition to that, we are to believe or rely on this love. In what way do we believe this love? Well, in what way do we disbelieve this love? There are many opponents and disbelievers of God's love. They may not believe in God, disbelieving that he even exists. Some hear of this love he has for us but do not believe it to be true. Some disbelieve the possibility of God even sending his son to take the punishment for all our sins that we might live; they may think God isn't like that. Some disbelieve it using evidences in their life to show why God doesn't act that way; some think because there is suffering a loving God cannot exist. However, for these who John is talking to, they believe in the love of God. These people have his Spirit and have seen and testify to the son which the father sent. They believe it to be true and put their faith in him.

What is the deal with the word "rely"? It's somewhat similar to believe. It is only by this love that God showed to us that we might live. The only way that we might live is if we live through him. We were on a path leading to destruction apart from this love of his. It is only by his love, and it is on this love that we rely. We must put our full weight upon this love. I've heard it described as weighing so heavily upon this support that if it did not exist we would completely and utterly fall. Rely on him and his love.