Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

1 John 4:21

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

Therefore, whoever loves God and strives to be His disciple, by His commandment, loves his brother also.

Commentary on 1 John ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"For he that loveth not his brother whom he seeth, how can he love God whom he seeth not? And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also." Marvellous fine talk it was, that thou didst say, "I love God," and hatest thy brother! O murderer, how lovest thou God? Hast thou not heard above in this very epistle, "He that hateth his brother is a murderer"? Yea, but I do verily love God, however I hate my brother. Thou dost verily not love God, if thou hate thy brother.

Ten Homilies on 1 John 9 ↗

Bede

And this commandment we have from God, etc. For how can you love him whose command you hate? Who is it who says: I love the emperor, but I hate his laws? Not so the true lover of God, but: See (he says) that I have loved your commands, O Lord (Psalm CXVIII). And therefore he confidently adds: Quicken me in your mercy (Ibid.).

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗