"LOVE OF THE BROTHERS"

Read 1 John 5:1-3.
Divine love is not recognized in God’s children by our feelings but rather by our obedience. There are those who are children of God whose personalities clash with our own. It is absurd to think we will ever come to the place where we “feel good” toward them. Is this proof that we do not love them? Are feelings like these contrary to the love that we must have for our brothers in Christ? John does not say so.
We are commanded to love every one who is a legitimate child of God. When we remember what love is, then it is not as impossible as it might at first seem. It is from the example of Jesus that we learn the true nature of this love. He gave His life not only for His friends, but for His enemies. He prayed through clenched teeth for those who drove the spikes in His hands and feet. When other men would have kicked and cursed, He voluntarily laid down to be nailed on the cross for those who accused Him falsely, who spit in His face, and who laughed at His claim to be God’s Son. If we love as He loved we will also lay down our lives willingly for those who mistreat us.
We know we love our brothers when we keep God’s commandments. If the habit of our life is to respond with instant obedience to any command of His, we will love those we cannot like before considering “our feelings” toward them. If we love someone long enough and sincerely enough, we may even get to like them! Practice does make perfect. John does not say that the keeping of God’s commands is easy. Remember, it is a cross, not a cushion, to which we are called! The idea is that the commandments of God do not seem unreasonable to the ones who love Him.