How can we practically "love his brother" as commanded in 1 John 4:21? Rooted in the command 1 John 4:21: “And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.” The Lord links love for Himself to love for fellow believers; the two cannot be separated. Love flows from God’s own love – 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” – Romans 5:5: “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” We draw on the love already implanted within us by the Spirit instead of trying to manufacture it. Seeing others through God’s eyes – Genesis 1:27: every person bears God’s image. – Ephesians 2:10: each believer is God’s workmanship. Keeping this perspective guards against contempt, favoritism, or indifference. Practical ways to love your brother – Listen without interrupting; “Everyone should be quick to listen” (James 1:19). – Encourage with Scripture and affirmations (1 Thessalonians 5:11). – Meet tangible needs: share food, time, skills, finances (James 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17-18). – Carry burdens in prayer and presence (Galatians 6:2). – Forgive quickly, refusing bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:13). – Speak truth kindly, aiming to build up (Ephesians 4:15, 29). – Practice hospitality: open home and table (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9). – Celebrate joys and grieve losses together (Romans 12:15). – Honor others above self, serving without seeking recognition (Philippians 2:3-4). Love lived out in the local church – Participate faithfully in gathered worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Use spiritual gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). – Support leaders and pursue unity (Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:3). – Resolve conflicts biblically and promptly (Matthew 18:15-17). Guarding against love-killers – Gossip and slander (Proverbs 16:28). – Envy and rivalry (James 3:14-16). – Partiality (James 2:1-4). – Pride and self-focus (Philippians 2:21). Empowered by abiding in Christ – John 15:5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Daily communion with Jesus through Word and prayer keeps the heart supplied with divine love. Result: a credible witness John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Loving our brothers and sisters displays the reality of the gospel to a watching world. |
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