An Introduction to Christian Ethics

Why Should Christians Love?

In a passage in the New Testament, in 1 John chapter 4 verses 7 - 21, it is explained that Christians are to love because all love has its origins in God. "God is love," it says (1 John chapter 4 verse 8). It continues, " We love because He first loved us" (1 John chapter 4 verse 19). This important passage explains to Christians that when they love others, God lives in them.

Loving God is also closely linked to loving others: - "If anyone says, "I love God", yet 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. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John chapter 4 verse 21)

So loving God and loving others are linked together. Christians are to love God and others because God loved them first.