This text refers to the fact that we are to live in a fashion that builds others up, rather than to live in a way that could cause other believers to stumble in their faith. Our responsibility for one another is undeniable and compelling.
1 John further asserts that if “someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20, 21).
The choice of love requires that we hold in tension the two fundamentals of living as brethren: we should live in the liberty of the Lord, and we should live in service to one another. “Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13).
Where is the Lord challenging us to love today? Where is He challenging us to serve?
