Book of 1 John - Chapter 4 - Verse 6

The verse 'We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.' highlights the importance of discerning the spirit of truth from the spirit of error. The verse emphasizes that those who belong to God will recognize and heed the teachings of God's messengers, while those who do not belong to God will not listen to them. This distinction serves as a litmus test for identifying whether one is following the truth or being led astray by falsehoods. By aligning oneself with the spirit of truth, believers can stay rooted in God's word and avoid falling into deception. This verse urges readers to be vigilant in discerning the sources of information they encounter and to rely on the teachings of God to navigate through the complexities of life.

The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of discerning the spirit of truth from the spirit of error. As children of God, we are called to listen to and adhere to the teachings of those who represent God's truth. Those who truly know God will recognize and accept the message of truth that is proclaimed. On the contrary, those who do not belong to God will reject this message, showing that they are influenced by the spirit of error. This verse highlights the significance of testing the messages we hear against the truth of God's Word, as it serves as a gauge to differentiate between what aligns with God's will and what does not. In essence, this verse encourages believers to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern between truth and falsehood, ultimately leading us closer to God and His truth.