Bible verses for children
Love for God must reach people.
1 John 4:20
If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
1 John 4:20 · World English Bible Classic (WEB)
In simple words
What does this verse mean?
Claiming to love God while hating a brother or sister is a contradiction. Faith cannot be separated from treatment of people. Honest love may include boundaries while rejecting cruelty and contempt.
Examine whether your behaviour towards someone matches the kindness you say matters to you.
Talk about it
Where could your treatment of a person better match your beliefs?
A little more to explore
Bible context & readings +
First John 4:19–21 moves from God loving first to the command to love fellow believers. The visible neighbour tests a claim about the unseen God; the teaching does not require remaining in an unsafe relationship.
Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.A simple prayer +
God, make our love sincere in how we treat people. Amen.
A suggested prayer, written for this guide.