1 John 4:20-21: A Call to Love
In the book of 1 John, the apostle John writes a powerful message about the importance of loving one another. In chapter 4, verses 20-21, he pens a poignant passage that challenges believers to examine their love for others.
The Command to Love
"If someone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." (1 John 4:20, NIV)
In this verse, John confronts those who claim to love God but fail to demonstrate love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. He asserts that it is impossible to genuinely love God while harboring hatred or indifference towards fellow believers. This passage serves as a stern warning to examine our hearts and ensure that our love for God is not just a sentimental feeling, but a tangible expression of love towards those around us.
The Logic of Love
John's logic is straightforward: if we claim to love God, whom we have not seen, how can we justify failing to love our brothers and sisters, whom we have seen? This argument highlights the inconsistency of professing love for an invisible God while neglecting to demonstrate love for visible brothers and sisters.
A Call to Authentic Love
In verse 21, John drives home the point: "And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love their brother and sister." (1 John 4:21, NIV)
Here, John emphasizes that loving God and loving our brothers and sisters are inextricably linked. We cannot claim to love God without also loving those He has created. This command serves as a call to authentic love, a love that is not limited to sentimental feelings or shallow expressions, but is demonstrated through tangible actions and genuine concern for others.
Conclusion
In 1 John 4:20-21, the apostle John presents a powerful challenge to believers: to examine our love for God and our love for others. Let us heed this call to authentic love, recognizing that our love for God is inextricably linked to our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we strive to love one another, may our love be a testament to the transformative power of God's love in our lives.
