Changed by His Love
1 John 2:9: He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.
If John thought that no Christian could hate another Christian, there was no need to personalize the relationship with the word “his.” But the opinion, held by some, that a true Christian could never hate another Christian is naive and contrary to the Bible and experience. Even so great a man as King David was guilty of murder, which is the final expression of hate.
John was warning his readers against a spiritual danger that is all too real. And he was affirming that a Christian who can hate his fellow Christian has not genuinely escaped from the darkness of this present passing Age. To put it another way, he has much to learn about God and cannot legitimately claim an intimate knowledge of Christ. If he really knew Christ as he ought, he would love his brother. 1
Loving Him
Hate is birthed from a heart of pride. The unrepentant sin of pride causes one to promote themselves at the cost of criticizing (hating) another believer. It is a self-blinding sin that we are all capable of committing. Perhaps we should take a moment right now and ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, to see if such a sin exist. Remember, God resist the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17
Loving Others
The self righteous seldom realize how far from the light they have traveled.
Make Me Like You
Lord, thank You for Your redeeming light.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
