1 John 4:20 — “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.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John speaks very directly and clearly. He says that if someone claims to love God but hates their fellow believer, they are lying. Their words and their actions don’t match.
John’s reasoning is simple and practical. It’s easier to love someone you can see than someone you can’t see. So if a person can’t love their brother or sister—another believer who is right in front of them—how can they honestly claim to love God, whom they cannot see?
This verse is not saying that love is always easy. It is pointing out that true love for God will always lead to love for others, especially fellow believers. If love is missing, the person’s claim to know and love God is empty.
Historical Context
The early church faced many challenges. False teachers were dividing believers, and some people claimed to have special knowledge of God while treating others poorly.
John was addressing this hypocrisy head-on. He wanted the believers to know that love is the true test of faith. If people claimed to know God but hated or mistreated other believers, their words were meaningless.
John’s teaching was a correction to those who thought they could separate love for God from love for people.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that true love for God and love for others are inseparable. You cannot honestly say you love God while harboring hatred or bitterness toward others.
It also teaches that love is not just a feeling or a private belief. It is shown in how we treat real people in real relationships.
This verse reminds us that God’s love changes us. If we have experienced His love, it will show up in our love for others.
Literary Analysis
John uses strong, plain language in this verse. He does not soften the message. He says that a person who claims to love God but hates a fellow believer is a liar.
The structure of the verse is clear:
- Claim: Someone says they love God.
- Contradiction: They hate a brother or sister.
- Conclusion: Their claim is false because love for God and hatred for others cannot coexist.
John uses a logical argument: If you can’t love the person you can see, how can you love the God you cannot see?
His writing is sharp but pastoral. He wants his readers to examine their hearts and live out genuine love.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 John 2:9-11 — “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”
- John 13:34-35 — “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- Matthew 5:23-24 — Jesus teaches that broken relationships with others affect our relationship with God.
- James 3:9-10 — “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings… Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a challenge to live honestly and humbly. It reminds us that love is not optional or extra—it is essential.
It invites believers to examine their hearts. Are there people they are holding grudges against? Are there brothers or sisters in Christ they are refusing to forgive?
This verse calls Christians to make sure their love for God is real and visible in how they treat others. It challenges believers to remove hatred, bitterness, and division from their lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is not fake, shallow, or one-sided. He is a God who loves people and calls His followers to love others too.
God’s love is not just for Himself; He wants it to overflow in the lives of His people. He doesn’t want empty words—He wants real love that reflects His character.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse ties directly to Jesus’ command to love one another (John 13:34). Jesus showed love in action—serving, forgiving, and even laying down His life.
To follow Jesus is to love others as He has loved us. If we say we belong to Jesus but hate others, we are denying what He taught and how He lived.
John’s words here echo the life and teaching of Jesus, who made love for others the mark of true discipleship.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any people in your life—especially fellow believers—you struggle to love?
- Why do you think John uses such strong language to describe those who claim to love God but hate others?
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of what it means to love God?
- What practical steps can you take to remove bitterness or hatred from your heart?
- How can your love for others reflect God’s love in a visible and meaningful way?