I recently saw a photograph of a church with a big sign out front that offered an apology: “We’re sorry for the way Christians have treated you, and for the way Christians have judged you.” When I read that sign I had to wonder what the thinking was behind it. Were they really sorry? Or were they just judging other Christians they believe are negative or too strict? Do you sometimes get aggravated with other Christians? Most of us do. The only problem is…we just can’t seem to agree which other Christians are the ones who are wrong! There has always been conflict between believing groups but we need to keep it in perspective. Maybe today’s passage from the Apostle John’s first letter can help us:

Those who say “I love God,” and hate their brothers and sisters are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from Him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (1 John 4:20-21)

Let’s listen to John’s last declaration again: “The commandment we have from Him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.” Is that plain enough? We all know Christians or Christian groups with whom we disagree. We can disagree but we must learn to do it in loving ways. Scripture makes this abundantly clear and it’s an area of real failure for the those that call themselves believers. Those of us who say that we love God must love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not optional—it’s a command from Jesus. It doesn’t matter how much theology you know, how regular you are at attending church, or how faithfully you tithe. If you don’t love your brothers or sisters in Christ, you are living in disobedience.

How about you today? Is there a group of Christians you often mock or complain about? If so, today is a great day to repent! This kind of behavior is sin and the Bible makes it clear that God doesn’t like it. Go to Him in repentance and faith, and ask Him to help you overcome your sin. Do you love God? Then begin to love other Christians too…even the ones you think are wrong!