1 John 2:9 --- If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer [brother or sister in Christ], that person is still living in darkness.
This morning the Lord brought me to the word "hates". Sadly, we all know too well what hate is and how it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here in this verse John is addressing specifically hate in the church, hate for a brother or sister in Christ.
Now I moved past verses 7-8 but quick recap, John points out he is discussing a COMMANDMENT, one he and the other apostles were given by Jesus; and they had taught from the beginning of their sharing the gospel, good news of Jesus. Here it is:
John 13:34-35 --- "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”
This is one of those verses every Christian knows, or should know, but it's also one we tend to fail at a lot. For the most part, we "Facebook it" (just meaning put on a smile, make it look/sound pretty, line it up just right, then POST it and wait for the thumbs up/heart emojis to roll in.)
This kind of love happens because it's attempted in our own strength, understanding and finite ability to love. This kind of love leaves room for hate to exist behind the mask. Most times because there is no true relationship with the Lord, no actual walking in the Light, no fellowship with Him daily, no reading of His word, no talking with him in prayer daily and no ABIDING in Him or WALKING as Jesus WALKED.
Now catch this part, when you start to break down the word, you find this isn't just a deep-seated loathing or emotionally charged hatred. It's not just a boiling pot of putrid loathing for some brother or sister sitting in the row in front of you. No, it can be much simpler than that.
Hate in the Greek here is miseō and means: to hate, pursue with hatred, detest (especially to persecute), love less, esteem less.
This can boil down to simply loving less, working against someone, and ranges all the way up to going after them with hatred. It's heartbreaking to think this is being written to believers in Christ Jesus, to the church. If we can't love one another, as Jesus loved us, then we will NEVER be able to truly shine the light of Jesus and spread His beautiful love into a dark hurting world that needs it so desperately.
So, pick up your bible. Hold it up like a mirror. Now look into this verse…
"Says I'm in the light" --- What do you see there?
"Hates (loves less, works against, detests) another brother or sister in Christ" --- What do you see there?
Don’t let "Facebook Christianity" set in. Don't curate a perfect response. Don't blame shift or rationalize. I'm not asking anyone to post an answer. Just open your eyes and ears and let the Holy Spirit speak to you here. What does God show you in this?
Personally, I have been guilty of this in the past. Not some putrid loathing of someone, but loving less… I've sadly done it. I am just grateful the Lord convicted me of it, brought me to repentance and changed not only my heart, but helped me to be on guard for it in my life. To be more aware and watching/listening for it actively in my life.
Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ the way Jesus loved us is only possible if we abide in Him and strive to walk like He walked every single day of our lives. Outside of that, your love and understanding will falter and eventually fail.
The image today was one of a heart in need of a light bulb change and without light it defaults to a humanistic logical love that used green light for those closest, yellow light for the liked ones and a red light of actively working against others. It turns into a hideous ugly thing when drawn out.
Be the Berean though and read these scriptures for yourself. Talk to the Lord yourself and see what He has to say about all this to you.
If I can pray for you today, please reach out and let me know. You are not alone.
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