1 John 4:21 — “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John ends the section on love with a clear and direct command. He reminds believers that loving others is not a suggestion or an option—it is a command from God.
John connects two things that cannot be separated: Loving God and loving others. He says that if a person claims to love God, they must also love their brother and sister. In the context of this letter, “brother and sister” refers especially to fellow believers.
John’s point is simple: Real love for God will always show up in how we treat others. You cannot truly love God while ignoring, mistreating, or hating other people.
Historical Context
In John’s time, false teachers were causing confusion in the church. Some of them claimed to have special knowledge of God, but their lives were marked by pride, division, and lack of love.
John wrote to correct this. He wanted believers to know that true faith is shown in action—specifically in loving others. This teaching echoed Jesus’ own words and command to love one another.
For the early church, this teaching helped protect the community and pointed them back to the heart of the Gospel.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that love is not a private, internal thing. It is meant to be lived out and seen in relationships.
It also shows that loving others is not an optional part of faith—it is commanded by God. Love is the expected and necessary result of knowing and loving God.
The verse reminds believers that love for others is the evidence of true love for God. You cannot claim one without the other.
Literary Analysis
John’s language in this verse is clear and forceful. He uses the word command, which carries weight and authority. This is not advice or opinion; it is a directive from God.
The verse has a simple structure:
- He has given us this command
- Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister
The word must underlines the seriousness of this command. There is no room for exceptions or excuses.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 13:34-35 — “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
- Matthew 22:37-39 — “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.”
- 1 John 3:23 — “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”
- James 2:8 — “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a simple but serious reminder. Loving God cannot be separated from loving others.
This verse invites believers to examine their lives and relationships. It’s easy to say we love God, but John calls us to show it in how we treat people—especially fellow believers.
It also reminds us that love is an act of obedience, not just a feeling. It’s something we choose to do because God has loved us and commanded us to love others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is not self-focused. He doesn’t just want people to love Him; He wants His love to flow through them to others.
By commanding His people to love one another, God is inviting them to share in His own character. He is a loving God who wants His people to reflect His love.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse reflects the teaching and example of Jesus. Jesus told His followers that the greatest commandments were to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37-39).
Jesus also demonstrated this love by serving, forgiving, and sacrificing Himself for others. To love like Jesus is to obey His command and follow His example.
John’s teaching here is rooted in the life, words, and mission of Jesus Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of what it means to love God?
- Are there people in your life—especially fellow believers—you find it hard to love? Why?
- Why do you think God commands us to love others instead of simply suggesting it?
- What are some practical ways you can show love to your “brother and sister” this week?
- How does remembering God’s love for you help you obey this command?