1 John 4:20, 21

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister ~ 1 John 4:20, 21


If we do not have love for our brother or sister, we are void of the love of God, and God is not in us. The apostle knows our human nature and that we expect to love those we know. It is hard to love someone we do not know, that is how human nature is. If we are, and claim to be a Christian, but do not love even a stranger who has engraved upon their soul the image of God, how can we love God whom we have not seen and whose image we are supposed to bear? Love comes from God and when he enters our heart and soul, we turn away from our natural being which claims love for those only that we know, to loving all people. This love is not a sentimental feeling, but the awareness that we need to care for all people, for their welfare. This attitude is not one that comes automatically. As we grow as Christ followers, we grow in his love, and our love for others develops and grows as we follow God’s will. We are commanded to love our brother and sister in Christ. I remember an old saying, “The proof is in the pudding.” Well, the proof is in the pudding for us too. If we really have the love of God in our heart, if we have really committed our life to him, and love him, we will love our brothers and sisters. And our love will flow over into the lives of those who are not our Christian brothers and sisters, and our care and concern will be for all people. All the attributes of Christ will fill us as we think of others. We will be full of love, peace, joy, patience, goodness, kindness, self-control and faithfulness.

Pastor Julia

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