The Bible teaches that loving one's brother and sister in Christ is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. In 1 John 4:20, it is written that those who claim to love God but hate their brother are liars, highlighting the importance of demonstrating love towards fellow believers. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:22 emphasize the need to resolve conflicts and anger towards others, while 1 John 3:16-24 provides guidance on what it means to lay down one's life for others. As Ephesians 4:32 instructs, believers are called to be kind and compassionate towards one another, forgiving each other just as God has forgiven them.
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If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us. Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.
If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.