In Love VS Abiding in Love

 

In Love VS Abiding in Love

Ephesians 4:15: "Hold fast to the truth in love."

John 15:9–10: "Abiding in my love…as ​​I also abide in the love of the Father."

1 John 4:16: "He who abides in love abides in God." 

Category	In Love	Abiding in Love
Meaning	Acting, speaking, and living according to God’s divine love—an outward realm of action.	Remaining habitually in God’s love—a continual inward dwelling. To abide in love is to abide in God, and God abides in us (1 John 4:16).
Distinction	Can be partial, occasional, or temporary; an outward expression in certain situations.	A continuous, stable, “resident” living; not occasional but habitual and unbroken.
Reason	God is love (1 John 4:8,16). He manifested this love by sending His Son as our Savior and our life (1 John 4:9–10,14). We are called to love one another (John 13:34).	The Lord commands us to abide in His love (John 15:9–10). Abiding in love equals abiding in God, enabling God to abide in us (1 John 4:16).
Purpose	To express God’s life and character outwardly so that others may see Him (John 13:35).	To be organically one with God—God becoming our inner life and outer living; letting the flow of love, life, and light remain uninterrupted.
Explanation	Walking in love means taking God’s love as the principle: forgiving, accepting, building up others.	Abiding in love means living in the atmosphere of God’s love, letting God Himself be the source and supply of our loving. This is a living of inward content (God) and outward expression (God).
Examples	Peter shepherds the Lord’s sheep out of love (John 21:15–17). Paul speaks truth and builds the Body in love (Eph. 4:15).	Jesus abides in the Father’s love (John 15:10). John leaning on Jesus’ breast (John 13:23), signifying a life of abiding fellowship.
Application	Treating the saints in love: speaking truth, forgiving, bearing, building (Eph. 5:2). Acting with love as the principle.	Keeping ourselves in God’s love (Jude 21). Daily touching the Lord in our spirit so that His love becomes our source—not natural love. Maintaining unbroken fellowship.
Burden	That the saints do everything in love (1 Cor. 16:14). That the church life is filled with the expression of love.	That saints not only act in love but abide in love, making God visible. The burden is to transform love from outward behavior into inward dwelling.
Prophetic Direction	Speak building, comforting, and encouraging words in love to supply others.	Lead saints back to God Himself—to dwell in His love. Prophecy should bring saints into the source of love, not merely convey ideas.
Conclusion	In love = outward action, expression of Christian living.	Abiding in love = inward dwelling, organic union with God. Abiding in love enables walking in love; walking in love deepens abiding.
Expanded Scriptures	John 13:34–35: “Love one another…by this everyone will know you are my disciples.” Ephesians 4:15: “Hold fast to the truth in love.” Ephesians 5:2: “Walk in love.” John 21:15–17 (Peter’s pastoral care).	John 15:9–10: “Abiding in my love…as ​​I abide in the love of the Father.” Jude 21: “Keep yourself in the love of God.” John 13:23 (John leans on the Lord’s breast). 1 John 4:9–10, 14 (God sends his Son to show his love).

 

Core Key Points:

• God is love; His love is expressed by sending His Son.
• To walk in love is to live by God’s love as the principle of action.
• To abide in love is to dwell in God Himself, allowing Him to dwell in us.
• Abiding in love = abiding in God → organic union.
• The love we express to others must be God Himself, not natural love.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training: General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7 - Extremely Important Aspects - Week 6: Be Perfect, Just as Perfect as Our Heavenly Father.