1 John 4:11

Here, as in John 3:16, οὕτως may denote either the extent or the manner of God's love “to such an extent,” going such a length (cf. Romans 8:32); “in such a manner,” righteously, not by a facile amnesty but by a propitiation. ὀφείλομεν : see note on 1 John 2:6. Noblesse oblige. If we are God's children, we must have our Father's spirit. Cf. Matthew 5:44-48. Thus we requite His love. Aug.: “ Petre, inquit, amas me ? Et ille dixit: Amo. Pasce oves meas ” (John 21:15-17).