Ah, Friday, my final day in 1John 4, and the verse that I chose to think about last is truly a result of all the other verses before it. It is the last verse in that chapter.
“We have this command from Him: The one who loves God must also love his brother.” [v21 HCSB]
John saved the most difficult for last. It is so easy to love God. God is perfect. He will not disappoint nor abandon His children. He constantly seeks our good. Our brothers and sisters do not always reflect that perfection. They are riddled, as we all are with imperfections. It is not quite so easy to love our brothers and sisters.
But, as John reminds us, this command did not originate with him. He received it from The Son of God shortly before Jesus was betrayed by his friend.
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [John 13:34-35 HCSB]
This command from Christ Jesus contains an amazing promise when we respond correctly. When we love our brothers and sisters with that same love that God has for us, people will notice. When they see us welcoming the sinners, the weak, the troubled, the hurting and wounded with that same unconditional love God has, they will know we belong to Him.
We want the lost to come to God, we need to love as God loves. We want the hurting to be healed, we need to love each other. We want all men to know Christ Jesus as Savior and LORD, we need to love each other. It is God’s way. It must be our way.
Ah, what a Fabulous Friday!