GOD IS LOVE Devotion 31 of 34 "And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also." (1 John 4:21) – Tomorrow:
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love . . . God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:9,16)
Now the Spirit nails the matter down, leaving absolutely no doubt about the issue of loving the brethren – those who are in Christ Jesus. Institutionalized religion does not place much stress on loving the people of God. However, God does, and the Spirit now moves John to speak with great firmness on the matter. As the prophet would say, "It is ready for the soldering: and he fastened it with nails that it should not be moved" (Isa 41:7).
He affirms that God has made no provision whatsoever for any other manner of conduct. This is the nature of the Kingdom, and no other response will be received. "And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God MUST also love his brother" (NIV). There is a tone of absolute sobriety in this text that cannot be denied. Just as surely as Naaman had to dip seven times in the Jordan, so the person who loves God MUST love his brother.
Let it be clear, approaching the matter of loving our brethren in Christ is not merely a matter of Divine command. This statement fortifies what the Spirit will declare in the next chapter. "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him" (1 John 5:1, NKJV). The fact of the matter is that those who are born of God DO love others who are also born of Him. Sin, however, is so deeply ingrained in human nature that men tend to make loving the brethren a goal, or objective, instead of something that is done. Therefore, the Spirit removes all weak excuses by saying Jesus has personally commanded that those who love God ALSO love their brethren.
On the eve of His betrayal, when He unveiled His heart to His disciples, the Lord Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35). This is not an institutional love, or mere human camaraderie! The commandment of Jesus is even more precise and more far-reaching than the summation of the second table of the Law: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Lev 19:18). This is a "new commandment" – not "new" in origin, but "new" in kind – "AS I have loved you!" It is deeper, more profound, more consistent, and more far reaching.
And how is it that Jesus loved them? He preferred to be with them: "And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer" (Luke 22:15). He humbled Himself to serve them, even washing their feet (John 13:12-14). Ultimately, He laid down His life for them (John 15:13; 10:11; Rom 5:6-8).
Now, there is no room for any contradicting response to the people of God. If there is some reluctance or hesitancy on your part, Jesus speaks to you: "This is MY commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." If anyone dares to imagine this is something that is optional, or about which slowness of heart is allowed, Jesus adds, "Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14).
Failing to love the brethren, then, is not a matter of weakness, but of disobedience. It is a waxing fat and kicking like Jeshurun of old (Deut 32:15). It involves a refusal to obey Jesus, which is only a manifestation that He does not dwell within. If the evidence that we are Christ's disciples is having love for one another – and Jesus says it is (John 13:35) – then failing to love one another is evidence we are NOT His disciples. I hardly see how any other conclusion is possible.
It is not possible to walk in the favor of God, experience His blessing, or taste of His goodness WITHOUT loving the brethren. No believer CAN live in isolation from the people of God, or with a disregard for them, and claim to be of God, in Christ, or "saved." If God is interested in His people, and His eye is always upon them, and His ear is always open to their cry, what can be said of the person who ignores, or even despises them. If the Lord Jesus "ever lives to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25), what can be said of the one who has no interest in them. If the Holy Spirit makes intercession for them (Rom 8:26-27), strengthens them (Eph 3:16), and bears witness with their spirit (Rom 8:16), what of the one who disregards them? If the holy angels have been charged with the responsibility of ministering to those who are the heirs of salvation (Heb 1:13-14), what will be the destiny of those who do not love them, or even bring pain and sorrow to them? These are matters for serious contemplation.
If you are lacking in this regard, do not attempt to justify your want of love for those who are in Christ Jesus – His brethren. He is not ashamed of them (Heb 2:11), and you certainly have no cause to be. Do not "try" to love the brethren. Rather, take the commandment of Jesus into your heart and mind. If it seems too difficult for you, then cry out, "Help Thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24).
If you do have a love for the brethren, then rejoice. In that love you have proof that you are in God and God is in you (1 John 4:16).
PRAYER POINT: Father, I do not want to be deficient in my love for Your people. In the name of Jesus, help me to see them as You do, and to love them by faith.