I John 4:20-21 [20] 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? [21] And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Could the Apostle have been any more straightforward than he was in these verses? Here is something to consider the next time we have the occasion to interact with a brother or sister we consider "difficult" or "unlikeable". Before we say anything or interact with them, let us ask ourselves, "Is my attitude, my tone, my words, and my actions toward this person truly reflecting my love for God?" When we have the opportunity to help a brother or sister by being a blessing and helping them with a need (as led by the Spirit), do we use the escape phrase, "I'll pray for you?" Or do we consider our love for God and allow Him to take us out of our comfort zone to sacrifice whatever necessary in order to show our love for both them and God? The bottom line is that God made it clear through John that we are lying if we say that we love God, but hate our brother or sister who was also made in the image of God, just as we were made in His image. God made Christianity simple. He said love God and love people. However, He also made Christianity impossible, as we can only truly love God in the power of the Holy Spirit. How do we get that power? Through accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord, and having an intimate relationship with Him. So if we truly want to love others as we should, we need to first truly love the One who loved us first; the One who proved that love on the Calvary's Cross.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).
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