1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
The distance between verse 19 and verse 20 is jarring to me, though I suppose it shouldn’t be. We love because God loved us–warts and all–first. But we can’t claim to love God if we can’t even love the folks around us.
1 John 4:20a Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar….
So, ok, I can hand-select the folks I want to love, right? Nope. Jesus on the cross comes to mind, praying with His last breath, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” That prayer at that moment took so much love. Loving like Jesus isn’t about hand-selecting who is worthy of love.
1 John 4:20b …For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
Lord, Your command to love is simple but not always easy. You call us to love like You do–fiercely, completely, wholeheartedly. Help me to love all those whom I encounter today, especially those whom I don’t really like. Help me to love like Jesus–past temporary feelings and with eternal purpose. Amen.
1 John 4:21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Have a blessed day. I love you.