You asked

how does this understanding of god as love connect with or contrast the old testament's portrayal of god's character?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

1 John 4:8

“He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.”

This verse is part of a letter written by John, likely in the late first century, to early Christian communities facing internal division and false teachings. John is emphasizing the importance of love as a core characteristic of God and a defining mark of those who truly know him.

What does it mean for your life today that the very nature of God is described as love?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Deuteronomy 7:9
This passage describes God as faithful, keeping covenant and lovingkindness (hesed) to those who love him.
John 3:16
This famous verse links God's love directly to his action of sending Jesus for the world's salvation.
Romans 5:8
Paul emphasizes God's love demonstrated in Christ's death for us while we were still sinners.

Ask your own follow-up