If you love God do not loathe your brother

This article is based on Proverbs 25, a chapter rich with wisdom that teaches us how to live with integrity, compassion, and righteousness in a world that often encourages the opposite. One of the most challenging instructions found in Scripture appears in this passage, where God calls us to respond to our enemies not with hatred or revenge but with kindness and mercy.

If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat;
and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.

Proverbs 25:21

Today we see the opposite happening in many people. When someone they dislike, resent, or consider an enemy is in need, they are unwilling to help. Pride, bitterness, or past offenses often harden the heart to the point of refusing compassion. But the book of Proverbs exhorts us to act differently. It teaches us that if someone—even someone who opposes us—is in need of food or drink, we should offer help without hesitation. This is not natural for the human heart, but it is the way of those who fear God. We are called to respond not according to the treatment we receive, but according to the character of the God we serve.

This principle teaches us two important truths. First, it reminds us not to imitate the attitude of the one who mistreats us. We are called to be good, humble, and compassionate people. Second, it teaches us to model mercy and love even in the presence of hostility. Remember that Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and He included even our enemies in that command. Kindness toward an enemy is not weakness—it is evidence of a transformed heart.

Jesus Himself demonstrated this in His earthly ministry. Though He was hated, rejected, mocked, and ultimately crucified, He never stopped loving. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, comforted the sorrowful, and offered living water to thirsty souls. He did good even to those who would later betray or deny Him. If the perfect Son of God extended compassion to His enemies, how much more should we, who have been forgiven so much?

The book of 1 John teaches us a sobering truth:

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar… 1 John 4:20

This means that genuine love for God cannot exist in a heart filled with hatred toward others. Our love for God is demonstrated by our love for people—especially those who are difficult to love. If we refuse to love our neighbor, we are denying the very nature of God, for God is love. Serving in church for years, praying, singing, preaching—all of it is empty if we harbor hatred in our hearts.

That is why we must treat our neighbor well, even when he treats us badly. Kindness toward an enemy often plants seeds that God later uses to soften hearts. One day, the person who mistreats you may recognize your fair and compassionate treatment, and that realization may open the door for reconciliation, respect, or even salvation. Our behavior can be a powerful testimony of the grace of Christ.

Sadly, many people today create conflict over the smallest things. Pride, anger, impatience, and lack of forgiveness produce arguments, divisions, and broken relationships. But as people who know the Word of Truth, we are called to respond differently. When conflict arises, exhort others in love. When offense comes, choose peace. When hate appears, respond with kindness. This does not mean allowing abuse or enabling sin, but it does mean showing the character of Christ in all situations.

Let us end by remembering the strong warning and profound truth found in 1 John 4:20:

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

May this passage remind us that love is not optional—it is the evidence of true faith. Let us love our neighbor, help those in need, forgive offenses, and reflect the mercy that God has shown to us. In doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ and shine His light in a world desperately in need of His love.