“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:20-21
“Whoever” expresses a Greek idea indicating that there are some who say and think what follows. John also uses “whoever” rather than we to dissociate himself from this group. The backdrop behind this teaching is probably the fact that some local religious leaders were claiming to “love God” while obviously being unloving.
We know that no one can see God because He is spirit. Therefore, the only real, tangible way to show love for God is by loving one’s brother.
As long as we remain in fellowship with the Father through faith, we can love one another and have no fear of Judgment Day. God sent His Son to take away our sins, so we can certainly gain confidence to stand before God without fear.
God’s blessings on your day…