Answer: God has promised the crown of life to those who love Him. Those who love God persevere, or remain strong and steadfast, through all the trials of this life. Those who love God and continue obedient to Him no matter what trials and temptations come their way will receive the crown of life God has promised because they did not follow their own evil desires. They resist temptation and follow only the teachings of God. They have stood firm in their love of God, and in their obedience and service to Him, (verses 12, 14 and 15).
MORE INFORMATION AND/OR OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
1 Corinthians 9:25: "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
Exodus 20:5-6 says that God is a jealous God, punishing those who hate Him, "but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments."
We cannot begin to understand what God has promised to those who love Him unless we accept His Son. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 says, "However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him'--but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit." And 1 Corinthians 8:3 says, "But the man who loves God is known by God."
James 2:5: "Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?"
