Scripture Reading
1 John 4:20
20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
John 13:34–35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Reflection
John’s words are direct because the issue is serious. It is easy to say, “I love God,” because that claim can remain private and invisible. But John gives us a visible test: How do we treat people?
Love for God is revealed in forgiveness, patience, service, compassion, and grace toward others. Our relationships expose whether God’s love is truly shaping us.
This does not mean we love perfectly, but it does mean we cannot comfortably hold onto hatred, bitterness, or indifference while claiming deep fellowship with God.
Reflection Questions
Is there someone toward whom I am holding bitterness or resentment?
Do my closest relationships reflect the love of Christ?
Where have my words about love failed to become visible actions?
Is there someone I need to forgive, encourage, or approach with humility?
Prayer
Lord, search my heart and reveal any hatred, bitterness, or indifference I have allowed to remain. Teach me to love the people I can see as evidence of my love for the God I cannot see. Give me courage to forgive, humility to apologize, and grace to pursue peace. Amen.