1 John 4 ↔ John 3:16

John 3:16 declares God's immense love for the 'world' by giving His 'one and only Son.' 1 John 4 deeply develops this truth, especially in verses 9-10, stating explicitly that 'God is love' and that His love was 'revealed' by sending 'his one and only Son into the world so that we may live through him,' further clarifying this act as an 'atoning sacrifice for our sins.' The later passage provides a profound theological foundation and practical outworking for the core declaration of John 3:16.

Echoes between the two

• John 3:16
  "God loved the world"

  1 John 4
  "God is love; God loved us"

• John 3:16
  "He gave his one and only Son"

  1 John 4
  "God has sent his one and only Son into the world; sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice"

• John 3:16
  "that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life"

  1 John 4
  "so that we may live through him"

• John 3:16
  "loved the world"

  1 John 4
  "love is from God"