"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

Here is the important thing to remember about love, according to John:  Love is the way to knowing God.

In fact, John tells us that when we love, we are born of God.  What is it to be children of God?  We understand that children grow up to be like their parents.  This is true of loving as well.  When we love, we grow to be more like our heavenly Father, for He is love.

So John encourages us to grow toward God.  Grow in love.  Grow in faith.  Grow toward God's character.

If you desire righteousness - desire the qualities of God.