Isaiah continues his message of hope in chapter 41, with God reminding Israel three times that He is with them, that He has chosen them and will help them. This is part of the comforting that Isaiah commenced in chapter 40.
God says “”You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This is the God who causes coastlines to fear, the ends of the earth to tremble, who turns the wilderness into pools of water. This all-powerful deity has also said “I … hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you”“.
John reminds us that we have been called to also be part of this family that God comforts. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” God has shown His love, strengthening and helping us. It’s up to us to respond by loving not “in word or talk but in deed and in truth”.