If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother he has seen cannot love the God he has not seen. And we have this command from Him: The one who loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:20-21 HCSB
One of the songs I remember as a teenager is the song “Get Together” by the music group Youngbloods. Wikipedia reports, “The song was written in the early 1960’s by American singer-songwriter Chet Powers. The song is an appeal for peace and brotherhood, presenting the polarity of love versus fear, and the choice to be made between them. The song was originally recorded as ‘Let’s Get Together’ by The Kingston Trio in 1964 but was made popular by the Youngbloods when they released their version in 1967. A renewed interest in the Youngbloods’ version surfaced when it was used in a radio public service announcement in 1969 and peaked to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.”
John could have used a song like “Get Together” as a theme song for his messages we find in 1 John. These two verses call all believers to love those around them. It is easy to say that one loves God, but the evidence of that love is how we treat those around us, our family, friends, and work associates.
Challenge: How are you treating those who are closest to you? You cannot truly love God and neglect to love others who God created and loves as much as He loves you. Listen to the song, “Get Together” by the Youngbloods on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRAhTY3Dwl0