1 John 4:20,21

Loving the Brethren

Generally speaking, it is easier to love that which is near and seen than that which is far away and unseen. Earlier, John had said, "No one has seen God at any time (verse 12). It is important to remember that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Christians should love that spiritual image in every man. To fail to do so is to fail to love God. Such love should especially be shown for brethren in the family of God, or the church. The love commanded by John is not affection but a looking out for the best interests of the object loved. In fact, that is the same love God's children are commanded to have for their enemies, their neighbors and their brethren (1 John 4:20-21; Matthew 5:44-48; Matthew 22:35-40; John 13:34-35).

Some may have been thus led to ask, "Who is my brother?" Those who continue to believe Jesus, the man, is also the Christ, deity, are born of God, or His sons. God is the one who begat all Christians (James 1:17-18) and those begotten of Him would all be brethren in the Lord. Thus, when one loves God, who begat him, he should also love his brethren, who were likewise begotten of the Father (1 John 5:1).

The Christian's love of God and keeping His commandments is the perfect display of his love for the brethren. For example, Galatians 6:1-2 commands all the spiritual ones to restore brethren overtaken in faults and help bear one another's burdens. Hebrews 10:24-25 commands Christians to provoke one another unto love and good works by being present at all the assemblies of the saints to encourage them to keep on going despite daily pressures. By giving careful attention to himself and the doctrine, Paul told Timothy he would be able to save himself and his listeners (1 Timothy 4:16). So, Christians in the first century were given a number of instructions intended to direct them in properly loving God through displaying love for their brothers (1 John 5:2).