Here's a startling statement: "He who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen" (vs 20). If there was any doubt that our relationships with others here on earth reflect our relationship with God, I think this verse settles it.
This verse is similar to one from yesterday: How can someone see his brother in need, close his heart to him, and then say that the love of God abides in him? (3:17). Except this verse answers the question instead of asking it.
The reason I said this verse is startling, at least for me, is because there are many times I do not love those around me very well. I focus on what I deserve instead of caring for the person in front of me, and loving them well. I'm getting a little better at paying attention to this; it used to be that I wasn't even aware I was focusing on myself.
So think back to the last conversation you had. How well did you pay attention to loving that person while you were talking to them? Were you listening to the words they were saying, and looking for non-verbal cues that might clue you in to what they were really feeling? Perhaps they were troubled by something, and you missed it because you were focused on something or someone else.
Don't miss the next opportunity you have to connect with the person right in front of you. Focus on truly loving them, and caring for them well. If you truly want to love God, you must learn to love the people in front of you first.
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