1 John 5:1

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well

(v1, NIV)

Back in chapter 4, John mentions that everyone who loves has been born of God. Love comes from God and our outpouring of love to others is proof that we really are from God. In addition, John relates being born of God with those who do not continue in sin. Those who are not born of God are increasing and continuing in their sin. However, those who are born of God are doing the opposite.

Here in chapter 5, another relation is being made with being born of God. This time, John is saying that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ are those who are born of God. Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Do you believe that he is the fulfillment of all those awesome scriptures that talk of the Christ? These people who put their hope and trust in Jesus in this way are those who are born of God.

John makes another statement about loving the father and loving the child. This is similar to what was mentioned in chapter 4. We are called to love our brother. These brothers are also children of God. This is a command he has given us. It goes hand in hand and we cannot claim to love God and hate our brother. It just doesn't work that way. Love your brother; love those who are the children of God.

What's interesting is that "child" is singular. This is referring to Jesus, who is God's child. Not only are we to believe in his son, but we are also to love him. Along with our belief in him is our love for him. Do you love Jesus? Or do you just "believe" in him, whatever that means?