Many terrible things are done in our world by those claiming to love God. John makes it very clear, however, that loving God and loving our brothers and sisters go together. One is not possible without the other. In fact, one who claims to love God but hates their brother or sister is a liar - pure and simple. We have never seen God, but our brothers and sisters we can see, for they are with us daily. Loving them and showing them kindness is the highest form of worship that we can offer. Our everyday actions form a sort of liturgy when done with kindness and awareness.

Jesus was filled with the Spirit, and the Spirit led him to proclaim the fulfillment of an ancient prophetic promise from Isaiah to the crowd in the synagogue. It was about the good news of God's visitation. Sight to the blind, liberty to captives, good news to the poor, and healing for all were all on the agenda. At first, the proclamation was well-received, but the crowd then turned hostile. God's gracious gifts upset the status quo; they challenge power structures, customs, traditions, and human opinions. That is exactly why we should continue this proclamation in word and deed. The world needs it, and will resist it, but it is the will of God.