Repeatedly we have John saying we have to love our brothers. In fact, he states we are commanded to love our brothers. The implication of this commandment can’t be more over stated than the passage we have before us – if we don’t, we can’t say we love God. We’d be lying. This is deeper than you think, let’s explore this theologically and philosophically.
Background: The Churches in Asia minor are confronted by this early form of Gnosticism that would lend lip service to having a relationship with God. An intellectual assent to God’s existence with claims to loving Him while mistreating the brethren that didn’t agree with them.
1. Can a church member claim they love God and lie about it?
Let’s examine Cain and his love for God and his brother Abel. Genesis 4 w/ Hebrews 11
9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

2. Is the love of God a private matter? What about your faith, is it private?

3. When we examine the actual commandment from Jesus to love, what sticks out the most?
John 1334 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”