HOW CAN WE NOT LOVE OTHERS, BUT SAY WE LOVE GOD

1 John 4:16 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us to have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world, we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. Therefore, the one who fears is not made perfect in love.  19 We love because he first loved us. 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. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Throughout the Bible, we are taught about love, how much God loves us, and how we should love each other.  Love is God's high esteem for us and the high regard we should have for Him and others.  The Bible records the most incredible love story of all times; when God sent His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16), His merciful and steady love.  So how could anyone that claims to be a believer of God harbor hate in their hearts? They cannot; they are a liar.

Father, let us love one another, for love comes from You; Lord, all who loves, has been reborn in You and You in us.  Lord, teach those that hate; that they do not know You, and You do not know them.  Lord, we love because You first loved us, You sent Your only Son; to die so we could live through Him.  Lord, once we receive the Holy Spirit, it empowers us to love everyone, including our enemies; and if we do not love, we have not received You.  Lord, we know You are love, and whoever lives in love; lives in You.  Father, we have never seen You, but if we love others, You live in us, and Your love is made complete through us, in Jesus' name, we pray Amen.