I John 4

“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us” (v12). John taught that our love for God is expressed in how we love one another. In fact, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar” (v20); love for God and hatred of others cannot co- exist. Bitterness, envy, and anger often arise from fear, and “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (v18).

In love, “God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (v9). His kindness heals our shame, anger, and fear and gives us power to love others.