Fruit of Loving God

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. — 1 John 4:19

In 1 John 4:18-21, the Apostle John draws a clear and searching connection between our love for God and our love for others, particularly those who share in the Christian faith. He wrote, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (4:18), pointing to the confidence we have because of God’s initiating love in Christ. When we grasp God’s love for us, any fear of judgment we may have is replaced by assurance, freeing our hearts to love others as we have been loved by God. This kind of love is not self-produced; it comes from God. That’s why John also wrote, “We love because he first loved us” (4:19). Love for God and others, then, is a response to His amazing grace and grows out of our experience of His life-changing love. 

The implication is unmistakable — “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.” Love for God cannot remain abstract or invisible. It must be shown and expressed toward fellow believers. Loving our brothers and sisters is not optional for us. It’s mandatory and often tested in ordinary, difficult moments when our patience turns to impatience, our forgiveness is replaced with harshness, and sacrifice confronts our selfishness. Yet, as we abide in God’s love, we are empowered to reflect it. Loving others is the means by which we make His love visible to the world (John 13:35). So, how can you love others in this way today? 

Prayer: Perfect Father, You love me with a perfect love. Thank you. Help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ as You have loved me. 

Reflection Questions: 

1. How does understanding God’s initiating love for you change the way you approach loving others? 
2. Are there any relationships where your actions or attitudes contradict your profession of loving God? What are two of them? 

Weekly Memory Verse: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. — 1 John 5:3