But if any man loves God, the same is known by him.
Read Chapter 8
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
Paul says: “If one loves God, one is known by him.” He certainly did not say “one knows God,” a dangerous presumption, but “he is known by God.” Elsewhere he remarks, “But now you know God,” and then immediately corrects himself: “or rather you are known by God.”
But if any man love God, the same is known of Him, If any, for God"s sake, love his neighbour, so as not to make him stumble at seeing him eat of idol sacrifices, &c, but seeks instead to edify him, then that man is approved of and beloved by God, and in His knowledge God is well pleased.
Note that he that loves God loves also his neighbour; for the love of God bids us love our neighbour for God"s sake; and the love of God is exhibited and seen in the love of our neighbour ( 1 John 4:20).
We do not know God, but he knows us. This is why Christ said: “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” (Jn :). This is the fruit of love and the death of pride.
But if any man love God, the same, he does not say, knows Him, but, is known of Him. For we have not known Him, but He has known us. And therefore did Christ say, You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you. And Paul elsewhere, Then shall I know fully, even as also I have been known.
Observe now, I pray, by what means he brings down their high-mindedness. First, he points out that not they alone knew the things which they knew; for we all, he says, have knowledge. Next, that the thing itself was hurtful so long as it was without love; for knowledge, says he, puffs up. Thirdly, that even joined with love it is not complete nor perfect. For if any man thinks that he knows any thing, he knows nothing as yet as he ought to know, so he speaks. In addition to this, that they have not even this from themselves, but by gift from God. For he said not, has known God, but, is known of Him. Again, that this very thing comes of love which they have not as they ought. For, if any man, says he, ...
