1 John 4:20-21
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Application: 

Too many Christians begin their spiritual lives with excitement about Jesus only to become burdened and discouraged at some point. Their abundant life suddenly feels more like a backbreaker. According to John, victory over this problem comes when faith in Christ leads to love for God’s children.

Your love for God is not measured by what you say (“I love God”) but by what you do. You cannot claim to love the invisible God if you refuse to actively love the Christian brother or sister standing in front of you (4:20). Don’t fool yourself. God has intertwined loving him and loving his children. You can’t disconnect them (4:21).

So, exactly whom should you love? The one who believes that Jesus is the Christ. Your brother in Christ is not determined by his race, level of education, social status, the church he attends, or the Bible version he carries. If he trusts in Christ alone as his sin bearer, he’s your brother.

How do we know we love God’s children? By loving God and obeying his commands (2:3–4; John 14:15). As we’ve seen, the primary command John has in mind is love for fellow believers (3:23). You are not an only child in the family of God. To ignore your brother in Christ is to cut yourself off from intimacy with God.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1378.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write articles glorifying God. I invite you to view this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have written is true. Always consult with your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be some grammatical or spelling errors present. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.

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