1 John 4:20-21: The True Mark of a Christian
The Bible Verse
"If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." - 1 John 4:20-21 (ESV)
The Context
In 1 John 4:20-21, the apostle John is emphasizing the importance of loving one another as a demonstration of our love for God. This passage is part of a larger discussion on the nature of love and its relationship to God. John is highlighting the inconsistency of claiming to love God while failing to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Message
This passage is a stark reminder that our love for God is not just a feeling or an emotional experience, but it is demonstrated through our actions towards others. John is saying that if we claim to love God, but do not love our brothers and sisters, then we are lying to ourselves. This is because love is not just a sentimental feeling, but a tangible action that is demonstrated through our treatment of others.
The Commandment
The commandment that John is referencing is the second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). This commandment is a direct result of our love for God. If we truly love God, we will also love our brothers and sisters in Christ. John is emphasizing that these two loves are intimately connected. We cannot claim to love God if we do not love those around us.
The Takeaway
So, what does this passage mean for us today? It means that our love for God is not just a private, individual experience, but it is demonstrated through our actions towards others. It means that we should be willing to demonstrate our love for God through our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. As John says, "whoever loves God must also love his brother." This is the true mark of a Christian.
