We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother [sister] whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother [sister].
Discussion Questions
- When John says we love because He first loved us, is he talking about all forms of love, or a love that is unique to those who belong to Jesus? Why?
- Why does John say that those who do not love their brothers and sisters do not really love God?
- Who is your brother or sister?
- How is our love for our brothers and sisters in the faith different from our love of neighbour? How are they the same?
- Read John 17:20-23.
- What does Jesus say here about the impact of genuine love among believers?
- Why is it not selfish to prioritize love for the brothers and sisters?
- If this love is truly from God, what will it also lead to?
