In Jesus' great prayer to His Father, He prays for the disciples who will be left behind in the world after His visible presence is no longer available as their support and model. Like Jesus Himself, they will immerse themselves in life on earth, but they need help if they are to be uncontaminated by the evil one who will work continually for their downfall, and if they are to remain steadfast in their faith amidst hostility and hatred. This protection is given by the Father. They will be safe in a communion of love with each other, rooted in the mutual love of Father and Son ('one like us').

Thus, John's famous statement that God is love is not an abstract definition, rather he is stressing that the most characteristic activity of God is that of loving. Our response to God's love for us is to return His love by loving others. Genuine wholesome love of God cannot be separated from love of neighbour. If we genuinely love our neighbour, then we can be certain that everything is all right between God and ourselves, that God is living in us and we in Him. The presence of the Spirit and faith in Jesus as the Son of God also assures us of God's presence in our lives.