Understanding 1 John 4:20 and Acts 17:26-31 in Everyday Life
Sometimes, the Bible can sound complicated, but its main messages are actually pretty simple. Two passages—1 John 4:20 and Acts 17:26-31—remind us what it really means to love God, and how that shows up in the way we treat other people.
Loving People Is Loving God
1 John 4:20 says that if we say we love God but hate someone else, we’re not telling the truth—not even to ourselves. Why? Because it’s impossible to truly love a God we can’t see if we can’t even love the people who are right in front of us. It doesn’t matter if the person is family, a friend, or even someone who’s hard to get along with. Genuine love for God shows up in how we treat others—whether we know them well or not. If we claim to be close to God but hold anger, hate, or bitterness toward others, our actions don’t match our words.
We’re All Part of the Same Family
Acts 17:26-31 helps us see why loving others is so important. These verses explain that God made all people from the same ancestor and put us in different times and places on purpose. That means every person on earth—no matter where they come from, what they look like, or what language they speak—is part of God’s big family. Our differences aren’t accidents; they’re part of God’s beautiful design.
So, when we look at someone who seems different from us—a different background, skin color, or culture—we’re really looking at someone who is just as much a part of God’s creation as we are. To treat someone as “less than” because of those differences misses the point. God wants us to care about one another, because He cares about all of us.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Put simply: If we want to show love for God, the first step is showing love to the people around us. This doesn’t just mean our friends or people who are easy to love. It means everyone. Even when it’s hard, even when we disagree, even when they seem nothing like us.
God didn’t make mistakes when He made people different. Our backgrounds, cultures, and experiences are all part of His plan. He put us where we are so we’d reach out for Him and connect with one another. At the end of the day, we’re all in the same boat: created by God, loved by God, and meant to love each other in return.
Living It Out
· Look for the good in others, especially those who are different from you.
· Remember that holding onto hate or grudges keeps you from truly loving God.
· See every person as someone made and loved by God—even when it’s hard.
· Show kindness, patience, and forgiveness in your daily life. That’s real love in action.
In the end, these Bible passages aren’t just about believing in God—they’re about living out that belief in the way we treat each other. Love God by loving people. It’s as simple—and as powerful—as that.
Minister A Francine Green
July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 