And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love their brother and sister. —1 John 4:21.
For over a week, John has repeatedly reminded us that we MUST love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Today’s reminder, however, is the clincher. If we love God, we MUST love his children, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice that the word isn’t “should love…” or “will try to love…” or “want to love…” No, the word is “MUST!” God’s point is clear: Loving each other is not optional, negotiable, or something to be delayed. God sent Jesus to die for the sins of all of God’s children. How can we not love those for whom Christ died (Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:11). As Paul will say to the Corinthians, “God’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). We MUST love God’s children!