We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
What is love? Greek, the original language of the New Testament, had multiple words, each with its own definition, that are translated into English as love. The word used in this passage is the verb agapaō, whose corresponding noun is agapē.
The New Testament authors took this word and expanded its definition. John tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8)—love is bound up in the very nature of God. John also defines love as laying down our lives for our brothers (1 John 3:16) and meeting their needs as we have the opportunity (1 John 3:17-18).
It is clear from the way John talks about love that it is more than an emotional feeling. It is what we do, caring for the needs of others. And, according to John, loving my brothers and sisters in Christ is not optional.
How can I know that I have eternal life? Because I love my brothers and sisters in the Lord. If I do not love, then, according to John, I am still abiding in death; I am lost.
John is very black and white. Either I love or I hate. There is no middle ground. If I see a brother or sister with a need that I can help with, I have a choice. I can love them by caring for their need. Or I can ignore their need, which is an act of hatred.
So, who is my brother or sister in Christ? Anyone who is a child of God is my brother or sister. We do not all look, think, or even believe alike. But if we are children of God, then we are brothers and sisters. And we will love each other.
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