General

Know AND believe

by Gina Pope

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about God’s love for me—mostly because I’ve realized I often have trouble receiving His love.

Maybe you’re in a similar place. You’re a follower of Christ, but perhaps frustrations, disappointments, or the like have slowly (or quickly) caused you to question God’s love—not for the world as a whole but for you, personally and individually. 

The Scripture that’s been central to my thoughts lately is 1 John 4:16a: “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.” 

Known AND believed. 

This phrase isn’t accidental. 

Not simply ‘known’ and not simply ‘believed’. But both known and believed. 

The word “known” in this verse is translated from ginosko, whose meaning includes to come to get a knowledge of, to come to know, to perceive, to understand. It suggests a knowledge grounded in experience. 

For those who have believed and confessed Christ, it may be easy for us to say we ‘know’ God’s love. We are able to love Him only because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)  And His great love for the world is the reason He sent His Son Jesus for our redemption. (John 3:16).

But it’s one thing to know. It’s another to believe. 

The word translated “believed” in 1 John 4:16 is pisteuo, which means to have faith in, to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to place confidence in, to trust. It’s from the word pistis, which means conviction or persuasion. 

Are we fully persuaded of God’s love? Not simply for the world in general, or for other people specifically, but for us—individually and personally. 

Such conviction of God’s love brings:

  • Peace – There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18)
  • Joy – Abiding in God’s love brings fullness of joy (John 15:10-11)
  • Hope – Receiving God’s love allows us to become His children and gives us the hope of seeing Him (1 John 3:1-3)

And this is just a (very) partial list. 

If we’re anxious, hopeless, depressed, etc., it’s wonderful to study Scriptures on these topics. And please don’t get me wrong—I’m endorsing that.

But sometimes what we truly need is a greater revelation of God’s love for us. Because this is the source of our joy, hope, peace, health, purpose, etc. 

So by all means we should study God’s promises in particular areas, but let’s also choose not only to know but also to believe the great love God has for us. 

5 thoughts on “Know AND believe”

  1. God’s love does so much for me (when I have faith in it). I’m much more powerful in fighting off the enemy and in letting God be God …apart from myself. Lol

  2. Beautiful post, Gina. Knowing and believing come when we abide in God’s presence. Not because we want something, but we just love being there.

  3. Outstanding post (as they all have been). I am so very proud of you and for the wisdom you display.

  4. Amen! What a wonderful, insightful post, dear Gina! Full of wisdom and understanding! Thank you!

    In my own life I have discovered that a revelation of God’s love for me is the beginning of all healing as well, whether of spirit, soul, or body.

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