1 John 4:20

20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates a brother or sister, he is a liar, because the person who doesn't love a brother or sister who can be seen can't love God, who can't be seen.

1 John 4:20 Meaning and Commentary

1 John 4:20

If a man say I love God, and hateth his brother
Than which profession nothing can be more contradictory, not black and white, or hot and cold in the same degree:

he is a liar;
it is not truth he speaks, it is a contradiction, and a thing impossible:

for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen;
his person, which might have drawn out his affection to him; and something valuable and worthy in him, which might have commanded respect; or his wants and distresses, which should have moved his pity and compassion:

how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
it cannot be thought he should; the thing is not reasonable to suppose; it is not possible he should; (See Gill on 1 John 4:12).

1 John 4:20 In-Context

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love.
19 We love because God first loved us.
20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates a brother or sister, he is a liar, because the person who doesn't love a brother or sister who can be seen can't love God, who can't be seen.
21 This commandment we have from him: Those who claim to love God ought to love their brother and sister also.
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